President Ruto says Kenya remains resilient, addresses Femicide and Education sector

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 
𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

In his third State of the Nation Address, President Dr. William Ruto today assured Kenyans that the country remains resilient amidst various socio-economic challenges, attributing this strength to the collective efforts of its citizens. 

The President lauded Kenya as a "land of bold ambition," where citizens consistently demand the highest standards for themselves and the entire nation. In his speech before a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament, he acknowledged that leadership must stay attuned to these aspirations. 

“We have learnt never to take anything for granted, and make every effort to carry all our people along with us in our pursuit of our transformation." He stated. 

To the rousing applause of Members of Parliament, the President directed the Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki to reach out and facilitate collaborative, broad-based and multi-sectoral deliberations, and thereafter recommend effective and radically affirmative actions within 6 months.

In his address to Members of the National Assembly and the Senate, Dr. Ruto expressed grave concern over rising cases of gender-based violence saying, "I have expressed concern about gender-based violence and the increasing cases of killings of female victims by male criminals motivated by primitive expressions of gender-based brutality and impunity."

The President added that, "Left unaddressed, these incidents will cause the women of our nation to feel increasingly unsafe, even in their own homes. This is both tragic and unacceptable. It also complicates, in disturbing ways, the struggle by Kenyan women for inclusion, equality, dignity, social justice, human rights, equity and protection as a historically marginalised segment of our society."

Dr. Ruto stressed the importance of raising boys into morally upright men, saying, "It is time for each of us—political leaders, public officers, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and family members—to do our part." President Ruto has tasked the Deputy President with facilitating multi-sectoral discussions to propose solutions within six months.” 

Outlining that Parliament has been urged to revisit the legislation on the two-thirds gender rule, President Ruto challenged the Legislators to take the next step in actualising the two-third gender rule.

On the education sector, the President; highlighted significant strides to address longstanding challenges. According to Dr. Ruto, the government has notably hired 56,000 teachers and plans to recruit an additional 20,000 by January 2025. This move aims to bridge the shortage of 110,000 teachers identified by 2022.

On Higher Education, President Ruto noted that 23 out of 40 Public Universities are technically bankrupt and are at risk of closure. 

"Among those facing severe challenges were large institutions such as the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Egerton University, Maseno University and Masinde Mulito University," 

Adding that, "While we are pulling our universities back from the brink of collapse. The remaining challenges for a few universities like Moi University 

are related to internal administrative and governance issues, which are being addressed."

Recognising the financial challenges faced by Universities and TVETs, President Ruto highlighted the student-centred Higher Education 

Funding Model. 

He also announced that the first graduation of students from the Open University of Kenya is scheduled for November 29, 2024, terming it a milestone in expanding access to education.

#StateOfTheNationAddress