President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the government will continue funding free education so that the principle of quality and affordable schooling is not compromised.
The President said primary and secondary education is a constitutional right for all children, and the government is committed to providing it.
Speaking at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) St Martin’s Parish Light Industries in Kariobangi North, Nairobi, on Sunday, he pointed out that the government will continue to give priority to the development of the education sector.
“I want to assure Kenyans that this administration is working hard to ensure free primary and secondary education becomes universal and truly accessible,” President Ruto explained.
The President singled out the employment of 76,000 teachers in a record two years, and construction of 23,000 new classrooms as the part of the government’s effort to ensure successful implementation of free primary and secondary education.
According to the President, an educated society is the bedrock of economic, social and technological advancement.
“We can’t compromise on affordability, accessibility, quality and reliability of our education system,” he said.
Saying education is the greatest empowerment any country can give citizens, the President announced another that an additional 24,000 teachers will be employed next January to ease teacher shortage in schools.
He commended religious organisations for their partnership in promoting education, particularly in marginalised parts of the country.
On development initiatives in Nairobi, President Ruto said city constituencies have been allocated KSh1 billion to build new classrooms.
In regard to the Affordable Housing Programme, the President explained that 50,000 units, and 10 modern fresh produce markets are being built in different parts of Nairobi.
In addition, he pointed out that another group of 25,000 have been hired for the Climate WorX programme and they begin on Monday.
He commended Nairobi residents for enhanced registration with the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that 1.9 million are benefitting from universal healthcare.
President Ruto also urged the youth to maintain law and order and desist from being misused by politicians to engage in acts of lawlessness.
“We want a peaceful country where all of us regard each other as brothers and sisters of one great nation called Kenya, ” the President said.
MPs Ronald Karauri (Kasarani), Phelix Odiwuor- Jalango (Langata), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Peter Orero (Kibra) and Karen Nyamu (Nominated) accompanied the President.
The legislators praised the Affordable Housing Programme and Climate WorX, saying they have employed tens of thousands of young people in the city.
“We are grateful that thousands of youths have been employed in the housing programme and the rehabilitation of Nairobi River. This has greatly helped reduce the number of idle youths who could otherwise engage in acts of lawlessness,” Mr Jalango pointed out.
Mr Oluoch called for better upbringing of children, saying parents and religious leaders should pay more attention to the moral strength of the youth.
“Parents, churches and mosques have a duty to contribute towards instilling good morals in the youth,” he said.
