That a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step is a statement that can best sum up the strides the Jubilee coalition has made since its inception and inauguration as a formidable political force, through the tumultuous campaigning period that followed, to the overwhelming victory, you dear Kenyans, unreservedly handed to the party on the Election Day.
It is needless to say the votes you gave Jubilee spoke of nothing else but the confidence you had in the party - that it would provide a vibrant and pragmatic leadership capable of pushing Kenya away from the stigma of ethnicity, politics of exclusion and economic stagnation to greater heights of social achievements and economic prosperity.
Today, on the 1st anniversary of the Jubilee Government, I take great pride to announce to you that your hopes and expectations were not misplaced.
On that note, may I use this special opportunity, on behalf of the entire government, to express our collective gratitude to you people for having shown faith in us by putting us in office. And may I also take the earliest chance to assure you that your aspirations as people of a great nation will be met without failure.
Indeed, this is the 4th government to be constituted since Kenya gained independence 50 years ago, but it is the first government to be headed by a youthful and dynamic duo who are better suited; in terms of age, education, charisma, and inventiveness to steer Kenya through the challenges of the 21st Century.
His Excellency, the President Uhuru Kenyatta, and his able deputy William Ruto are an exemplification (example) of the desire by peoples of the world, right from the citizens of western democracies through the Asian giants and even here in Africa to see a change of guard of leadership from the old generation to a new generation of young leaders whose competence is the Holy Grail for the complex problems the world currently faces. In this respect, the Jubilee government is a classic demonstration of what youth and dynamism can work to achieve in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
You, the people of Kenya, spoke with one voice by voting in the Jubilee Coalition, an indication that you needed a vibrant and energetic administration capable of transforming your hopes and dreams of:
· Seeing a devolved administration and effective implementation of the constitutional changes.
· A united, peaceful and stable country devoid of the scourge of divisive ethnicity.
· Better education and healthcare for your children and families.
· Increased job opportunities for our talented and skilled school leavers.
· An enabling environment for increased local and foreign investment.
· A responsible and accountable administration.
· Easy and convenient access to social and government services.
· Protection of your liberties, freedoms and individual rights.
· And security for everyone irrespective of gender, social status, race or religion.
You needed all these turned into reality.
May I assure you that as we are celebrating the 1st anniversary of the Jubilee Government, the party has so far worked tirelessly; following closely on its manifesto, to make these hopes and dreams real and not a fading mirage of promises that was only visible during the electioneering period. I want you to be rest assured that even where you have not seen any meaningful progress, the government is effectively streamlining measures and policies that will ensure everything that was promised is attended to and delivered.
I would like to remind you that the mandate you gave us is for 5 years, and so it would be too early to judge the Jubilee Government now. Secondly, don’t forget that this is a transition period, and typical of all such momentous transitions in governments, like ours is doing, there are always numerous bottlenecks and obstacles to be got out of the way. That is where the government is presently even as we are doing everything there is to address the most pressing priorities.
That does not, however, absolve us from blame where we have performed below per, or where we have acted contrary to your expectations. In such a case, maybe the government has deemed what you expected to be against your ultimate good. Trust us, we know better.
It is common knowledge that the surest way to failure is to attempt to accomplish everything important at the same time. This is a trap the Jubilee Government is well aware of, and which it dose not wish to fall into. Again, working as we are, on the backdrop of lies and innuendo propagated from certain quarters aimed at portraying Jubilee as a failed administration, the picture you get of what we are doing, and have done, might look bleaker than it actually is.
However, a quick enumeration of some of the things the government has so far achieved will, I hope, silence your criticism, still your fears, and reassure you that the country is not going to the dogs, as the detractors want you to believe. Since time can not allow me to go into specific details, you will kindly let me to browse over the most important achievements we have made so far.
1. Who doubts the Jubilee coalition is managing the devolution well? You just need to take a look at what is happening in your counties to know the process of devolving authority has gained maximum momentum despite a few setbacks here and there. The contention of the opposition that Jubilee was out to kill devolution cannot stand in the face of the reality you can see around you.
2. Uhuru and Ruto working together speaks volumes about divisive politics considering the legacy of the infamous 2007-2008 elections and its aftermath. The government is out to rally every Kenyan, regardless of ethnic affiliation, to work together under a national banner of brotherhood. We promised you, amongst many other things, social equity for all. That is what we are set to deliver.
3. That the government cares for the welfare of the youth can be seen in the numerous projects like the Uwezo fund meant to give them a springboard into entrepreneurship. There are heavy investments in several key sectors of the economy, like in infrastructure, aimed at spurring development and creating job opportunities. A country that does not invest in its youth as a matter of priority, is a country that is doomed. Fortunately ours is not.
4. Recently, the president launched Huduma Centres which will digitize essential government services by expediting the processes. How else can the government make its services easy to access and convenient for all!
5. Despite fears that Kenya would be shunned by the international community due to the ugly specter of the ICC cases facing our two able and charismatic leaders ( I am happy the cases are bursting at the seams for lack of credible evidence to sustain the allegations) the contrary is happening. The focus of our foreign policy is aimed at what is good for Kenya, not what pleases the West.
With these few examples may I say that the list of what we have achieved, as a government, and what we shall certainly achieve in the foreseeable future is long. I cannot spell it all here. But from the few examples I have given, you can clearly see for yourselves that this is an administration set for greater things. While our detractors are busy peddling lies, we are spending sleepless nights laying a firm foundation for a better Kenya tomorrow. I hope by the time we are through actualising only a half of our programmes, even the opposition will endorse this government for another term in office.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen”