Ruto defends proposal to amend Constitution

Says he wants to enhance transparency and secure education development.

In Summary
  • Ruto said his administration is committed to strengthening the opposition to enhance accountability in the country.
  • He defended his plea to MPs to amend the Constitution to entrench the National Government Constituency Development Fund in the Constitution.
President William Ruto during a church service at Wanjohi Primary School in Kipipiri Constituency, Nyandarua County on Sunday, December 11, 2022.
President William Ruto during a church service at Wanjohi Primary School in Kipipiri Constituency, Nyandarua County on Sunday, December 11, 2022.
Image: STATE HOUSE

President William Ruto has broken his silence on his proposal to Parliament to amend the Constitution.

Ruto said his proposal to Senate and National Assembly to amend the Constitution and create the office of the leader of the official Opposition is meant to enhance transparency.

Ruto said his administration is committed to strengthening the opposition to enhance transparency and accountability.

The President, however, asked the opposition to execute their mandate in a patriotic and peaceful way.

"We have no problem with what the opposition is doing to keep us in check. We believe in an accountable government," he said.

Ruto defended his plea to MPs to amend the Constitution to entrench the National Government Constituency Development Fund in the Constitution.

The President said his proposal contained in a memo to speakers of both houses last week is meant to secure the development of education in the country.

He said NG-CDF has facilitated the construction of many schools and offered bursaries for tens of thousands of pupils and students across the country.

"The single most important asset we have as a nation is our human capital, and the way to make it better is through education," he said.

Ruto spoke on Sunday during a church service at Wanjohi Primary School in Kipipiri, Nyandarua.

He was accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and CSs Zacharia Njeru (Lands) and Rebecca Miano (EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development).

Other notable leaders present during the service are Nyandarua Governor Ndirangu Badilisha and a host of MPs led by National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah. 

Ruto said the Kenya Kwanza government is committed to reducing public borrowing which currently stands at Sh7.2 trillion. 

He said that the government was implementing policies and programmes that will boost the economy and increase revenue.

"This is the surest way to collect much more revenues to finance development rather than resort to debt," Ruto said. 

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