Kibaki said it is a high time Kenyans learnt to separate politics and economic activities, adding it is sad that for a long time, bad politics have had negative effects on the country’s economy
.‘Elections are not due until March next year. In the meantime there is much work that lies ahead of us. Let us stay focused and not lose track of the many economic and social engagements that we must attend to,” said Kibaki.
The Head of State also called on those seeking positions of leadership, to first focus on critical challenged affecting Kenyans, rather than just seeking votes.
“To those seeking political office, be issue-oriented. Our democracy has now come of age. Sell your ideas peacefully without resorting to name calling,” President Kibaki insisted.
He was speaking on Wednesday when he launched the trading of CIC Insurance Group shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
The Head of State expressed the government’s commitment to support the cooperative movement adding it was responsible for about 40 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about 30 percent of national savings and deposits.
“Today one out of every four Kenyans is a member of a co-operative society while about 60 percent of our people directly or indirectly derive their livelihood from Co-operative activities,” he said.
In his remarks, Co-operative Development and Marketing Minister Joseph Nyaga said the cooperative movement in the country remained an integral part of the government strategy of wealth creation and poverty reduction.