Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged
Kenyans to reject politicians who incite violence, looting and destruction of
property, saying such actions only undermine national progress.
Speaking on Friday in Busia County, during the
Women Economic Empowerment Programme, Kindiki thanked the residents for
maintaining peace during recent protests that led to the destruction of
property and loss of lives.
“I thank the people of Busia for keeping peace,
for maintaining law and order. I praise you for that,” he stated.
The Deputy President cautioned the youth against
being misused by what he termed as self-seeking leaders.
He emphasised that while the country is facing challenges, violence is not
the solution.
"Despite the hardships we may face as a
nation, looting, destruction of property, and mayhem are not the way to solve
our problems," he said.
Kindiki reiterated the Kenya Kwanza
administration’s commitment to reviving collapsed sugar industries in the
western and Nyanza regions.
He noted that these efforts would revitalise the region’s economy and
benefit both farmers and workers.
"We will revive all sugar factories in
Western and Nyanza, including those in Busia and Kakamega, one by one. For the
first time since sugarcane farming began in 1922, this administration gave bonuses
to cane farmers," he affirmed.
“In our program, we will ensure farmers and workers are paid well and on
time.”
He also highlighted key government initiatives
aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating jobs, especially for the
youth.
These include the construction of modern markets for fresh produce,
affordable housing projects, the Climate WorX Programme, and opportunities for
overseas employment and professional jobs in the teaching and health sectors.
Kindiki said the Kenya Kwanza government is
working towards long-term development, including expanding access to
healthcare, infrastructure, and electricity.
"We are saying two terms for President
William Ruto to ensure the registration of 24.7 million Kenyans in the Social
Health Authority increases to 55 million, for electricity connection, road construction,
youth employment and revival of sugar factories,” he said.
Kindiki called on the people of Busia to register
in large numbers for SHA, noting that so far, 310,000 residents, about 40 percent
of the county’s population, have registered.
He also assured residents of Bungoma that the
government would complete key road projects in the region, including the
recarpeting of the Kisumu–Luanda–Busia highway and the Nasewa–Funyula–Budalang’i
road.
“I know President Ruto visited this area
recently to inspect ongoing projects such as the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Scheme
Canal. He promised to decommission the expensive generators and expand the
project,” Kindiki noted.
The DP added that the National Government is
partnering with the County Government of Busia to establish the County
Aggregation and Industrial Park and a Special Economic Zone.
These initiatives are expected to create over 3,000 jobs, with a majority
going to locals.
Present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma among others.
