The Government and religious organisations have a collaborative role in tackling social ills and economically empowering communities, President William Ruto has said.
The President said the government and the Church will, therefore, continue working together to improve the living standards of Kenyans.
Speaking Tuesday during the 24th General Assembly at the St Andrews PCEA Church in Nairobi, President Ruto commended the role played by churches in the development of education and health, among others.
The President witnessed the re-election and installation of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Patrick Thegu Mutahi.
“We appreciate the role of the church on matters of education, health and creation of awareness on various issues,” he said.
The President said the government will continue working with the Church to initiate development projects aimed at empowering citizens.
He appealed to Church leaders to help the government eradicate illicit brews, drugs and insecurity challenges occasioned by banditry and cattle rustling.
He regretted that many families have been affected by the menaces of illicit brews and drugs, especially because many young people have been addicted to these substances.
The President has been emphatic that no effort would be spared in eradicating the two vices.
He acknowledged that unemployment has greatly contributed to alcohol consumption and drug abuse, adding that an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.
“This is why we have a coherent and intentional plan, through the affordable housing programme and the digital economy, to create job opportunities for our people. In fact, we now have 140,000 young people working in the housing programme across the country,” he said.
The President pointed out that the government was concluding bilateral labour agreements with 19 countries that will help many more people get jobs abroad or remotely work for foreign organisations from Kenya.
On insecurity, President Ruto urged the Church to take the lead in preaching peaceful co-existence among warring communities by sending missionaries to the affected areas to spread the gospel.
“We need more missionaries in remote areas of our country experiencing insecurity challenges. We need spiritual armies in such areas,” President Ruto said.
He assured Kenyans that problems related to the National Health Insurance Fund will soon be a thing of the past, saying necessary legislation has been enacted to eradicate corruption that has been the stumbling block in the provision of health.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asked churches to join the government in the war against drug abuse and illicit brews.
“We cannot win the war against these vices without the support of the Church. The Church can help by establishing rehabilitation centres for those affected by illicit brews and abuse of drugs,” said Mr Gachagua.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa emphasised the need for the Church to continue being the conscience of society.
PCS
