Kiyiapi to join presidential race in December

BY CORRESPONDENT

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null 1/1 NYAHURURU, Kenya, Jun 29 – Education Permanent Secretary Prof James ole Kiyiapi says he will formally unveil his presidential bid in December this year in readiness for next year’s poll. Prof Kiyiapi said it was no longer a rumour that he wished to join politics and vie for the top seat in the land. “I want to make it official by the end of this year so that we can have time to consolidate all like-minded leaders and people of goodwill to help steer the nation to another level,” he said. The PS underscored the need to change the conversations on a national and local level, and move beyond the rhetoric into crafting real answers to the critical issues affecting the country. "There comes a time when it is necessary to be bold enough and have the courage to express your opinion in a way everybody will understand. It is very clear that the successes and challenges our Kenyan people are facing are of great significance to any leader wishing to pursue justice and the needs of the citizens and that is why I am embarking on this journey," Prof. Kiyiapi told Capital News in Nyahururu early this week. He noted that he was ready to tackle the challenges he is likely to face as a first-time presidential candidate owing to the fact that Kenyans always play regional politics but expressed optimism of overcoming them to become Kenya's fourth President. “Developing others’ potential is an important role for a leader. Encouraging others to expand their capabilities and take on additional assignments is part of the leader’s responsibility. Leaders who feel threatened by the capabilities of others are challenged in this area and we are ready to move on”. “We are working round the clock with professionals, like-minded leaders to ensure we come up with a clear vision of my candidature. I am aware there are so many hurdles ahead such as tribalism, regional politics, money issues but I’m very optimistic,” he said. The former Moi University don and motivational speaker observed that there was a dire need to encourage Kenyans and young people especially to believe in themselves while at the same time giving them a chance to practice their skills in the various sectors of the economy. “The moment you motivate our people especially the youth, that is the first things that will guarantee a successful future for them. It’s always good to let them be what they want to be, give them a chance to perform their duties without creating an atmosphere that gives an impression that they are in the wrong place…..this is what will help us to grow as a nation,” he observed. The Education PS said he was ready to bring a new type of leadership that matches his youthful and fresh management skills. “The reforms that have come have brought a lot of changes in our leadership and also created more opportunities to all of us. We have well trained personnel in various sectors but what we see is that most of the professionals are seeking greener pastures in other countries. How about we bring them back and give them an opportunity to practice here? That is the kind of leadership we are talking about!” he enthused. Prof Kiyiapi’s entry into the presidential campaigns arena will see him join other youthful leaders who have expressed interest in the top seat including Saboti Member of Parliament Eugene Wamalwa, Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth and their Gichugu counterpart Martha Wangari Karua.

Read more: http://capitalfm.co.ke/news/Kenyanews/Kiyiapi-to-join-presidential-race-in-December-13404.html#ixzz1Qi82bMlu
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