EMBU, Kenya—President William Ruto today, Saturday, November 16, 2024, avoided politics and outlined his ruling Kenya Kwanza administration’s successes.
President Ruto was among notable leaders who attended the Episcopal Consecration and Installation of Bishop-Elect Monsignor Peter Kimani Ndung’u as the new Catholic Bishop of Embu Diocese.
Other leaders who attended the event at the University of Embu grounds included President Ruto’s predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, his current deputy, Kithure Kindiki, and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
“I just want to tell our retired president I am pushing hard with the responsibility I inherited from you. We began Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2017, and I want to say that we will be in Grade 9 next year,” said President Ruto.
The head of state disclosed that his government had already procured books for learners joining Grade 9.
“Our MPs are constructing 5,000 classroom units, while on the other hand, the National Government is constructing an additional 11,000 classrooms. We have already employed 46,000 new junior secondary school (JSS) teachers. At the end of this year, we shall employ an additional 20,000 JSS teachers to help us educate our children moving forward,’ explained President Ruto.
How President William Ruto is implementing the affordable housing program
In his own words, President Ruto, who spoke after his predecessor, Uhuru, went on:
“My friend, the fourth president, you left me responsible for the affordable housing program, and even here in Embu, we have now completed 89 pc. We are constructing 160,000 housing units, and the projects are ongoing in different parts of the country,” said President Ruto.
He said he was keen on successfully implementing and completing the affordable program because it is crucial for the country.
“The affordable housing program will help create job opportunities for our people and help us take this nation forward,” President Ruto said.
On the issue of healthcare, President Ruto said that his administration was keen on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“As a government, we don’t want the issue of healthcare to be for the privileged people but for the right of every Kenyan. I will ensure we address all the issues bedevilling the health sector,” he added.
What President William Ruto said about his forthcoming Embu County tour
The head of state used the occasion to assure all Kenyans and religious leaders who have recently poked holes in his government’s service delivery that he will address all the concerns in the healthcare sector.
“I have been reminded by our Catholic Bishops that there are some loopholes in our service delivery to Kenyans; we will solve all these problems because UHC is a must-do. We will ensure no citizen is left behind,” said President Ruto.
Meanwhile, while congratulating the new bishop-elect, President Ruto assured him that his administration would closely work with him.
“Just like other leaders have said, we are ready to work with you just like we have been working with your colleagues in the priesthood in different parts of the county and the Catholic Church in general,” President Ruto explained.
This week, President Ruto recalled how ‘good’ it has been to him and the Catholic Church.
“This week has been a perfect week for the Catholic Church and me because today I am in Embu attending this important ceremony, yesterday I was at the graduation of Tangaza University, which is administered by the Catholic Church and the other day, I received greetings from our bishops through a letter, and I think that for me to conclude tomorrow, I think I will look somewhere to attend a Sunday mass in a Catholic Church so that the week can end on a high note,” said the president amid cheers from the crowd.
He said that he would look for an opportunity to visit Embu on a development tour after the Church instructed speakers to avoid politics.
“I will look for an opportunity to come back here to Embu so that we can talk about the development of our county. After Christmas, early next year, I will be back here to address issues related to water, roads, electricity, education and other issues,” he said.
