Kibaki: Elect visionary leaders

Written By:PPS,    Posted: Sat, Feb 02, 2013

The President said the newly elected leaders should also be ready to implement the new Constitution President Mwai Kibaki has urged Kenyans to exercise wisdom in the selection of their county and national leaders during next month's general elections by voting for leaders who will sustain the current development tempo in the country. President Kibaki expressed hope that the leaders, who will be elected during the upcoming General Election, will maintain and improve the development initiatives already in place especially the country's development blueprint, Vision 2030. The President said the newly elected leaders should also be ready to implement the new Constitution which besides providing the foundation for the country's economic transformation, also guarantees the rights of all Kenyans and investors and promotes the rule of law. Speaking at the Lion Eye Centre, Loresho in Nairobi during a luncheon to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Asian Foundation, the President said the Constitution sets up accountable institutions of governance and creates an able and independent judiciary to swiftly resolve conflicts. The President emphasized, "The forthcoming General Election provides Kenyans with the opportunity to elect leaders who will ensure the full implementation of the Constitution." President Kibaki stressed that the Government has stabilized the macro-economic environment to ensure that it is conducive to the business community and other investors. On Vision 2030, the President said the business community in the country has an important role to play in the implementation of the country's development blueprint. He encouraged investors, among them members of the Asian Foundation, to get involved in Vision 2030 flagship projects which have huge potential to transform Kenya into a middle income country with a high quality of life for its citizens in the next seventeen years. "These projects have huge potential to change the lives of our people and at the same time generate great returns for investors," the President added. The Government, President Kibaki said, has in the last ten years worked  hard to improve the business environment in Kenya and has massively upgraded infrastructure, reduced business licensing procedures and simplified tax payment. He said, "I recognize that most members of the Asian Foundation are involved in business activities across various sectors of our economy." President Kibaki further acknowledged the important role the Asian community played in the struggle for country's independence from colonial rule by producing freedom fighters such as Pio Da Gama Pinto, Joseph Murumbi, Manilal Desai, Pranlal Sheth among others. In this regard, the Head of State said he had authorized and supported the establishment of the Asian-African heritage exhibition in a permanent purpose-built exhibition hall, at the National Museum in Nairobi to promote cross-cultural understanding in the country. This exhibition, President Kibaki said, traces the history of the Asian community in Kenya over the last 200 years and documents their role in nation building. In recognition of the contribution of the Asian community to the struggle for the country's freedom, the President observed that the Government authorized the issuance of a postage stamp depicting Pio Da Gama Pinto in the year 2008 as one of four Heroes of Kenya. "Moreover, we have recognized the role played by Joseph Murumbi, who was the son of a Goan father and Maasai mother and who rose to become the second Vice President of our country.  During his life, Joe was a passionate collector of African art and memorabilia from across the African continent," President Kibaki added. The President said the Government has already purchased Mr Murumbi's collection for the people of Kenya, and provided for its display to the public in a dedicated section of the National Archives. This is one of the world's largest collection of stamps. He expressed Government appreciation for the support and partnership of the Asian community in the development of the nation. The Head of State commended the Asian Foundation for its involvement in job-oriented training programs including the modernization of the Market on Limuru Road in Nairobi among other numerous development activities to transform the lives of thousands of Kenyans and provide a source of livelihood for the youth. Speaking during the occasion, Asian Foundation Chairman Mr. Aurelio Rebelo observed that the foundation was started in 1988 to promote social and economic development in Kenya and the East African region. He further added that it fosters a better understanding of the cultures and values of the indigenous Asian populations and also of other peoples of the region. "The Asian Foundation is committed to promoting freedom, peace, harmony, national unity and prosperity amongst the people of the East African region," Mr. Rebelo said. Mr. Rebelo further enumerated the various development initiatives realized in many sectors of the economy during President Kibaki's ten-year term in office. He also noted the realization of a new Constitution during the President's term as a key milestone in ensuring that the country is properly governed. During the occasion, President Kibaki received an award of honour from the Asian Foundation in recognition of his contributions towards development in the country. Five other prominent Asians were also honoured for their efforts in serving the society in different capacities. They included constitutional lawyer Prof. Yash Pal Ghai, Alaudin Qureshi (Cultural Ambassador), Zarina Patel (Human Rights Journalist), Dr. Rasik Kantaria (Enterprenuer and Philanthrophist) and Nizar Juma (a bridge builder). In attendance were the Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia, Internal Security PS Mutea Iringo and Nairobi PC Njoroge Ndirangu, among others.