President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to shun violence and instead embrace peaceful, all-inclusive approaches to tackling issues affecting the country.
The President asked Kenyans to maintain peace, noting that violence has resulted in the loss of life and the destruction of property.
He said Kenya stood a better chance of transformation if the people remain united to confront the challenges that face the nation.
“We are one people who belong to one nation. If we face our challenges together in unity, we will solve them, and Kenya will move forward,” he said.
He made the remarks during a church service at Lolgorian Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) in Narok County.
At the same time, President Ruto exuded confidence that the country is headed in the right direction, noting that significant milestones have been achieved.
The President said the government is committed to transforming the country through innovative and deliberate programmes and policies.
He said the government has reduced the cost of fertiliser, enhancing productivity and resulting in a reduction in the cost of living which has seen the inflation rate drop from 9.8 per cent in 2022 to 4.6 per cent this month.
Additionally, he said government interventions have strengthened the Kenyan shilling against the dollar, which is currently trading at Ksh128 down from Ksh162.
He also noted that tourist numbers have increased, while interest rates are reducing.
“I am confident that this country is going to change because we are taking the right steps and moving in the right direction,” he said.
President Ruto said there are some who do not want Kenya to prosper, citing those who are questioning why Kenya was the African country hosted for a State Visit by the United States in 16 years.
He said he would make the decisions required to take the country forward, pointing out that the country has been stuck for decades because of the indecisiveness of leaders in the past.
The President said the government is setting up a tech hub in every ward to expand opportunities for the youth in the digital space.
“We must have a deliberate plan for creating jobs for our youth,” he said.
Additionally, he said the government has secured new markets for the country’s agricultural products abroad to boost farmers’ earnings.
“These are the fruits of my various trips abroad,” he said.
The President commended farmers in Narok County for producing more food that has enhanced Kenya’s food security situation.
He said the government is building roads in the region to open it and ensure farmers get their produce to the market with ease. He announced that Ksh1.8 billion will be spent on connecting households in Narok County to power.
