NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 28 – President William Ruto has urged Opposition leaders to engage the Government in a constructive dialogue in addressing their grievances.
President Ruto said there was need for constructive engagements among leaders to avert unnecessary destruction of property due to violent protests.
He said the country’s economic situation cannot be improved if there was no peaceful environment for the citizens to engage in their day – today activities.
“I want to ask those in Opposition to work with the Government for the sake of Kenyans. There is need for constructive engagements to avoid unnecessary destruction of property because of demonstrations, ” he said.
The President said as much as the Opposition leaders were pursuing their own interests, it was also important that they consider the interests of millions of Kenyans.
He said interests of leaders should not supercede the interests of 50 million Kenyans.
“Leaders should not trample on the interests of millions of Kenyans while seeking their own interests,” said President Ruto.
The President, however, said he will not allow the Opposition to cause violence and destroy people’s properties and businesses in pursuit of selfish political interests.
He said the chapter on elections was closed, saying Kenyans have moved on to engage in activities aimed at improving their lives.
Dr Ruto said he was elected as the President of Kenya, noting that he has the authority to defend the rights of all Kenyans.
The President made the remarks on Friday, when he commissioned the Grain Bulk facilities at Embakasi, Nairobi.
The Head of State assured Kenyans that the country was heading in the right direction, saying the economic recovery efforts were yielding fruits.
He said the next budget will see deficit reduced from Sh 1 trilion to Sh 600 billion as part of the efforts to stabilize the economy.
“We cannot as a country continue to live beyond our means. That’s why we are reducing the deficit,” said President Ruto.
He said the next budget will also address high taxes that impede development.
“We will reduce taxes on property to encourage more Kenyans to be home owners as well as taxes on gas for the green energy opportunity,” he said.
The President said there will be prudent use of resources to ensure there is no wastage.
Dr Ruto noted that the Hustler Fund was transforming lives of millions of Kenyans with 80 percent repaying their loans within the stipulated time frame.
“It’s encouraging that 15 million people are beneficiaries of the Hustler Fund with seven million repeatedly taking and repaying the loans, ” said President Ruto.
The President, at the same time, urged private investors to pursue opportunities in Kenya’s transport, logistics and associated sectors.
He said the Nairobi and Eldoret Railway Cities are some of the logistics and commercial hubs whose development is scheduled to commence this year and offers attractive investment opportunities.
“To encourage them, we have established a sound, predictable and stable institutional framework with attractive incentives and guarantees to facilitate successful investment,” he said.
He asked Cabinet Secretaries for the National Treasury and Economic Planning and for Roads and Transport to identify land along the railway to be designated for the development of the hubs throughout the Railway Transport Corridor.
“As we implement this transformational project, we shall also facilitate our customs areas to evolve into vibrant trading and transshipment hubs serving the entire Eastern and Central African regions,” said President Ruto.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said prudent management of resources has led to the reduction of Unga prices.
“President Ruto has not subsidized Unga but has instead put in place proper mechanisms that has seen prices reduce from Sh 230 to 150,” said Mr Gachagua.
He assured Kenyans of their security and that of their property, saying those planning to hold demonstrations should do so peacefully.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged Kenyans to be patient as the government implements policies aimed at reducing the cost of living.
“For our economy to flourish, we need a stable nation. Economy cannot grow by dancing in the streets,” said Mr Mudavadi.
President Ruto also commissioned the tarmacking of 65-Kilometer Ongata Rongai urban roads, in Kajiado County and the launch of the construction of 75-kilometer road network at Merigi in Bomet County.
President Ruto urges opposition to engage in constructive dialogue
