I WON'T ALLOW DEMOCRACY TO BREED TERRORISM, SAYS PRESIDENT KENYATTA

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses the media at State House, Nairobi, on May 16, 2014. FILE PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

President Kenyatta has promised bolder measures to fight terrorism and corruption this year.

In his New Year message televised at midnight, Mr Kenyatta also promised to strengthen devolution by working closely with the 47 county governments.

The President said the Jubilee Government was determined to combat the threat of terrorism and would spare no effort in achieving that goal.

“We will sustain strong actions to combat this evil in all its manifestations.

“In this respect, my administration will continue to take all the necessary measures, under the law, to ensure that Kenyans and their property remain safe and secure.”

He said the government’s resolve to protect life and property was not negotiable. “We will never allow anyone to intensify our vulnerability in the name of freedom and democracy,” he said, apparently criticising the Opposition for challenging the Security Laws (Amendment) Act 2014 in court on grounds that it violates basic freedoms.

“Democracy and freedom are promises of happiness, security and prosperity. Not fear, pain and despair. In securing Kenya, we secure progress. By protecting our people, we protect democracy.”

However, he said the government would continue with efforts to entrench constitutional order and values in every facet of national life.

On corruption, Mr Kenyatta promised to ensure transparency in the delivery of services by the government saying the vice was a major threat to the national development agenda.

“In addition to the menu of policy and institutional frameworks, my government will digitise public service transactions to make them more transparent and thereby eradicate the opportunity for corruption,” he said, adding that the war on corruption “must and will be won”.

The President also promised that more vulnerable people will enjoy social protection as the government continues investing more resources in the development of roads, railways, ports, harbours, and in energy and Information Communication Technology.

“We will build and equip schools, hospitals and stadia. We will carry on the work of national cohesion,” he promised.

Mr Kenyatta also announced that Huduma centres and e-citizen services would be expanded to reach every part of Kenya this year.

“Farmers will have access to inputs, mechanisation and extension services to make Kenya food secure.

“Electricity connection will be expanded to every primary school in the country.”

He further stated that the Jubilee Government would intensify efforts to enhance national security through investment in institutional, policy and operational capacities.

He thanked Kenyans for collaborating with security agencies to keep the country secure during the festive season.

“Let us work even more to be secure, safe and happy.”

CREDIT SOURCE: NMG