Nairobi 13th September : Kenya’s president who is stepping down Uhuru Kenyatta had a meeting with his successor William Ruto, reiterating his determination to ensure a peaceful transition of the presidency on Tuesday.Kenyatta who delivered an on-air farewell message to the nation following his meeting with Ruto at the State House here, Nairobi said he will ensure an orderly transition of powe in an effort to reinforce Kenya’s democratic spirit, according to Xinhua news agency.
Kenyatta felicitated his deputy William Ruto for clinching the presidency in Kenya’s controversial August 9 elections and pledged support for the new administration as it takes on serving the citizens of Kenya in a fair manner.
“On my behalf as Head of State I hand over the direction of an entire nation that has seen an important transformation over the past 10 years in all aspects of our lives as a nation,” the outgoing leader stated.
The following Tuesday he will present tools of power, including an ceremonial sword as well as a replica of the constitution to Ruto in order to signal the changing of guard.
Particularly, Kenyatta noted that under his direction, the country was the sixth largest economy in Africa which was previously ranked as 12th thanks to increased trade with neighbours and the establishment of an environment conducive to regulatory reform to attract investment.
He said that the economy of digital technology was booming during his tenure of ten years, while the development of 11,500 kilometers of new tarmac roads improved connectivity and the ease of conducting business.
Additional 6.3 million households which is an increase from 2.3 million in 2013 have been connected to electricity, according to Kenyatta and added that the country had made 100% progress from primary to secondary school under his leadership.
The country’s forest cover grew from 6.9 percent in 2013 to 8.8 percent in 2022 despite the fact that poaching of famous wildlife species decreased substantially due to increased security, said Kenyatta.
He said that Kenya has the potential to become Africa’s most powerful economic engine, and a place of peace and stability when the new president is able to build on the achievements of his predecessors.
