President Kibaki sent a clear warning that the violence must stop/PPS
Condemning the barbaric acts that have caused the loss of lives of innocent Kenyans and wanton destruction of property, President Kibaki sent a clear warning that the violence must stop.
“To the people of Tana River, my message is, you must get back to your senses and stop these acts of revenge,” President Kibaki said.
He emphasised that local leaders must take the initiative and tell their people that there are enough resources in the vast Tana River County to take care of all their needs.
The Head of State also asked the judicial committee appointed to probe the violence to quickly conclude and present its report.
President Kibaki was speaking on Friday when he officially opened an ultra-modern conference centre at the Kenya School of Government, Matuga in Kwale County.
The president at the same time encouraged Kenyans to appreciate the central role of county governments by electing credible and development-focused leaders.
“Indeed, the counties that will quickly embrace devolution will stand a good chance at attaining success,” the president said.
He commended the people of Kwale County for registering in large numbers during the voter registration exercise, saying their vote is their empowerment tool and weapon of democracy.
“Use the vote and participate in the March elections and elect leaders who will bring about development,” said President Kibaki.
Noting that Kwale is a county endowed with rich natural resources, the president said the leadership that the residents will elect at various levels will be instrumental in shaping how the resources are used for the benefit of the people.
The president, once again, encouraged all Kenyans to be peaceful and law-abiding citizens, assuring them that the government stands to be their partner in the journey to move Kenya to the next level of greater development.
Pointing out that the Kenya School of Government is a Vision 2030 flagship project, President Kibaki said the school should play a significant role in developing a competent and well trained public service.
He added that the school should also be at the forefront in helping Kenyans to smoothly transit to the 47 county governments.
“Indeed, the county public services, which are provided for in our new Constitution will require competent staff. The Kenya School of Government should, therefore, urgently develop a training curriculum that will address the unique needs of county governments,” President Kibaki said.
To make the Kenya School of Government a premier public service training institution of choice both locally and internationally, the president said the school should establish linkages with renowned schools of government and collaborate with reputable universities as well as professional bodies.
The Head of State added that the school should be a think tank for the government by carrying out research and consultancy to inform public policy, saying it should also undertake leadership development programs that will tackle the complex challenges that face the public sector.
“I envision the school as a centre of excellence and the first port of call in learning, innovation and leadership development in the public sector.”
President Kibaki observed that the completion of the ultra-modern conference centre is a representation of the government’s commitment towards upgrading infrastructure required in the Kenya School of Government campuses located in Nairobi, Mombasa, Embu, Baringo and Matuga.
The president further informed Kwale residents that the highly awaited construction of the Kwale- Kinango road will commence next month.
In his speech, the area Member of Parliament who is also the Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources Chirau Mwakwere acknowledged the various development projects initiated by the president not only in Kwale but in the country at large.
He also noted that Kwale County is now an island of peace in the Coast region.
Other speakers included Assistant Minister for Lands Gonzi Rai, Msambweni MP Omar Zonga, Assistant Minister for Public Service Aden Ahmed Sugow and the Chairman, School of Government Council Prof Francis Kibera.
In their part Sugow and Kibera maintained that the School of Government is up to the task of training public servants in the wake of the devolved government.
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