Kibaki urges peace and tolerance
By PPS
Posted Thursday, August 30 2012 at 17:49
Posted Thursday, August 30 2012 at 17:49
IN SUMMARY
- National Peace Conference resolved that Kenyans should embrace, co-exist and tolerate each other, says President Kibaki.
- Kibaki: Government has taken concrete steps to improve infrastructure at the Coast.
President Kibaki has told Kenyans to maintain peace and practice tolerance as the foundation of the country’s democracy.
The President observed that during the National Peace Conference, it was unanimously resolved that Kenyans should embrace, co-exist and tolerate each other as one people and one nation.
"We should never allow any negative forces to divide us along any lines,” the Head of State said when he opened Mombasa International Show at the Mombasa Showground Thursday.
President Kibaki encouraged Kenyans to work with the government and seize the opportunities that come with devolution.
"This is especially critical as we devolve responsibility to the counties. Devolution is an important facet of development."
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He advised Kenyans to elect responsible leaders who will guide them into an era of social cohesion and economic prosperity in the years ahead.
On development of the Coast region, the President said his government has taken concrete steps to improve infrastructure.
He cited the dredging of the Mombasa Port that has enabled the port to receive huge ships never seen in Mombasa before.
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“This has made Mombasa a regional hub and major transport corridor,” the President said.
President Kibaki disclosed that the construction of a second container terminal is set to begin in a few weeks time, saying the one kilometre long terminal will cost Sh25 billion.
He said the Dongo Kundu by-pass and construction of modern dual carriages and highways around Mombasa Island is also set to begin at a cost of Sh30 billion.
"This will also create new economic and social frontiers in this region.”
He said the government has also begun construction works on the second port, as part of the Lamu Port – South Sudan –Ethiopia Transport Corridor, saying this will be Kenya’s second development corridor after Mombasa-Malaba.
“It will create huge opportunities for this region, our entire country and provide a link to neighbouring countries,” the President said.
On land, the President said the Government, through the Ministry of Lands, has undertaken various initiatives in an endeavour to alleviate land problems at the Coast including land adjudication, settlement, regularising land ownership, nullification and recovery of illegally allocated public land.
The Head of State said under the Squatter Programme, a total of 53,000 squatters have been issued with title deeds in an area covering 250,000 acres.
During the occasion, the President launched ASK’s newly reconstructed interactive website.
Speaking during the occasion, Gender minister Naomi Shaban regretted the recent riots in Mombasa and appealed to the youth not to allow themselves to be used by those who intend to disrupt peace.
Condemning the acts of lawlessness, assistant ministers Hassan Joho, Ramadhan Kajembe and Abu Chiaba vowed to work towards ensuring calm returns in the area.
They reiterated that the Coast has been known as a peaceful region and the residents should not allow bad elements to create hatred and disunity.
Other speakers included Agriculture minister Sally Kosgei, Livestock minister Mohammed Kuti, Mombasa International Show chairman Anthony Mrima and ASK National chairperson Alice Kalya.
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