As we prepare to review our education curriculum to make it more modern and relevant to the changing development needs of the 21st century we remain focused and determined to deliver digital learning devises to our schools this year. We will do a lot more that I do not wish to set out at this moment. Most importantly, we will work together as one people to build a great nation that each one of us will be proud to call home. We will remain open, democratic, transparent, united and peaceful. We will achieve our dream: happy individuals, strong families, united communities and a successful nation. The transformation will continue with greater momentum. We will keep on delivering on our promise.
As we usher in the Year 2016, I wish to appeal to every Kenyan starting with our leaders, to help restore our national pride. For far too long we have dwelt in negative talk, criticism and hatred. Besides undermining our dignity as a Nation, this negativity has also diminished our patriotism and expected love for our Motherland. In 2016 we must rekindle the love for our dear Nation. We must demonstrate through actions that we are truly Kenyans by standing tall in the Community of Nations.
In 2015 Kenya was at the centre of Global spotlight, as we hosted US President Barrack Obama and the GES Conference in Nairobi. Later on Kenya played host to Pope Francis. We closed the year by hosting the WTO Ministerial Conference. Besides the three major events, Kenya, earlier in the year, won the World Athletic Championships in Beijing, and also sent Doctors and Paramedical staff to West Africa to combat the deadly Ebola Virus.
In this and many more ways in 2015 we were as a country able to shine. We must, therefore, enter 2016 in a spirit of standing up for Kenya and saying no to negativity, parochialism and engaging in small talk.
In this instant I would like to hail the act of bravery demonstrated by patriotic Kenyans during the recent attack on a bus in Mandera. Through sheer bravery and courage they were able to save the lives of fellow Kenyans. They truly stood up for Kenya. I salute and congratulate them for their quick and heroic action.
My call to each and every Kenyan, let us in 2016 stand up for Kenya by demonstrating true love for one another, patriotism for our Motherland and embracing and celebrating each other. We must learn to listen to each other, by talking to each other and not talking at one another.
We must tell each other things that help build Kenya. We must be driven by an urge to make Kenya better by providing solutions to issues and challenges that confront us. We must face the future as one United Nation, seeking a common solution to our problems.
Every Kenyan must stand up for Kenya, for this is the only way we will build a strong Nation that is respected and honoured globally.
As your President I will be steadfast and committed to standing up for Kenya. I call each one of you to stand with me in making Kenya proud. My Government is willing to listen to every Kenyan who comes forth with useful ideas to building a strong Kenya. We will listen to you and implement any good ideas geared towards improving our common destiny.
Fellow Kenyans,
God has been gracious and generous to us. As we start 2016, let us remember to always be a nation dedicated to the service of humankind and to the glory of our Almighty Creator. I pray for every-one of you, for your families, and for our Nation, that as we shed the old year and embrace the new one, may God see us through a year of great achievement. Let us stay true to who we are. Let us love our country and one another. Let us work together to achieve more for our Nation and people in 2016 and beyond.
I wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
May God continue blessing all of us, and our great Nation.
(New Year’s message by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Mombasa on December 31, 2015)
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