2013 polls to herald growth, Kalonzo tells Kenyans in UK

  SHARE BOOKMARKPRINTEMAILRATING

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said a successful General Election will set the stage for a major economic and social transformation of Kenya August 31, 2012  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By VPPS
Posted  Friday, August 31  2012 at  12:01

IN SUMMARY

• VP: Peaceful transition to ensure that gains made in economic growth, infrastructure renewal, investment in agriculture, tourism and manufacturing will be accelerated.
• Mr Musyoka says he will champion the full implementation of the Constitution and equity, if elected president.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said the next General Election will set the stage for a major economic and social transformation of Kenya.

Mr Musyoka said a peaceful transition will ensure that gains made in economic growth, infrastructure renewal, investment in agriculture, tourism and manufacturing will be accelerated.

"You will eat from your sweat and rise as high as your dreams and aspirations will take you so long as you work to attain it.

"No one will be allowed to curtail or frustrate your efforts," the VP told a gathering of Kenyans living and working in the UK at the Hammersmith Town Hall, West London, Thursday.

He told the diaspora Kenyans that he was confident of being elected president in the 2013 polls and pledged to continue President Kibaki’s legacy with specific emphasis on job creation, the fight against poverty, attainment of food security and double digit economic growth.

Saying that he will be running on a platform of national unity and consolidation of peace among all communities, the Vice President said the security of all Kenyans was a pre-requisite to prosperity.

The VP said he will champion the full implementation of the Constitution and equity, if elected.

Mr Musyoka said more growth centres will be developed across the country and an aggressive campaign to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will be implemented.

"The manufacturing sector will be expanded, external markets sought and developed, thereby making the idea of 24-hour economy a reality," he said.

Share This Story

  

Exciting times

Mr. Musyoka told Kenyans that exciting times lay ahead in the exploitation of the country's natural resources especially oil, gas, coal and minerals.

"Our resources will be utilised for the welfare of Kenyans and not to enrich a few individuals, therefore we are going to have the “oil blessing” rather than the “oil curse”.

The VP, who is in London to attend the Paralympics games, is accompanied by assistant ministers Peter Munya, Wavinya Ndeti and Gonzi Rai.

Mr Munya said he was impressed by Mr Musyoka's brand of politics.

"I have watched you for many years and you are the kind of leader who unites rather than divides and who reconciles people rather than encourage conflict."

He said of all the aspirants eyeing the presidency, the VP was most experienced and Kenyans in the Diaspora would not regret or be disappointed if they support his candidature.

Assistant minister Ndeti wished the VP well in his aspirations to lead the country, while Mr Rai praised the role Mr Musyoka played in stabilising the country after the 2007/08 post election violence.

“I am sure Kenyans remember and will reward you at the appropriate time."

Kenya High Commissioner to the UK Ephraim Ngare said the country had changed for the better in terms of economic and social spheres.

The Diaspora meeting was coordinated by Wiper Democratic Party coordinator for UK and Europe Frank Karanja, who said his team was actively recruiting and opening chapters in various cities and countries around Europe to ensure that Mr Musyoka’s candidature receives majority support abroad.