President Uhuru Kenyatta has today said that ensuring Kenya is a united and cohesive society as well as winning the war against corruption are at the core of his legacy.
The President was speaking when he presided over the official opening of the Shs 3 billion ultra modern MPesa Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County.
“I would want to see Kenya being a more united and cohesive society. I also hope we shall have won the war against corruption by the time my term in office comes to and end in 2022,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta said the two targets will enable the country to achieve its development objectives and guarantee an all-inclusive growth.
He urged students to work hard and embrace integrity in whatever they do so as to succeed in life, saying they should not overlook their individual talents.
“It does not make a difference what grade you get. There are those who will not go to university but that does not necessarily mean you are a failure, you are not. You have the opportunity to become the best farmer or the best musician. Just do your best and the rest will sort itself out,” President Kenyatta advised.
The Head of State emphasized that his Government was keen to incorporate the ideas and innovation of young people in achieving the Big 4 Agenda.
“We will engage you and others, and see how we can use your innovation and ideas to achieve the Big 4 Agenda,” said President Kenyatta, who had earlier toured an exhibition at the academy where the students displayed their innovations.
Emphasizing that the four pillars of the Big 4 Agenda will rely on skilled and motivated Kenyans who share a common vision for Kenya, President Kenyatta said his Government has allocated more than Shs 430 billion in this financial year to the education sector
“These funds will go towards supporting our schools and teachers as they nurture the minds of our young learners,” President Kenyatta said.
“We also intend to build more education facilities, to improve the existing ones, and to make education affordable and accessible to all,” he added.
The Head of State pointed out that his Government appreciates the fact that no real and progressive education can be realised today without technology being at the core of its curriculum.
“It is for this reason that my Government pushed through the Primary School Digital Learning Programme, and continues to provide devices in schools to enhance learning,” the President said.
President Kenyatta also applauded the Public Private Partnerships approach to development, saying the Mpesa Academy is a good example that both the public and private sectors are playing an important role in accelerating development and providing opportunities for the less privileged members of the society.
Education Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed announced that national exams have kicked off smoothly across the country without any hitches.
Other speakers included M-Pesa Foundation Chairman Michael Joseph and the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Les Baillie.
source PSCU