President Uhuru Kenyatta will today deliver his final State of the Nation Address to a joint sitting of parliament.
Response to the new Covid-19 variant, prevailing drought in several counties, revival of the economy and the accomplishments of his administration in his two terms in office are expected to be featured in his address.
The president is also expected to address the 2022 general election and the government’s measures to secure the nation.
The Head of State will also report on progress in achieving national values, devolution and good governance.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 114 of the 416 national assembly members and senators will be allowed into the chambers.
Former Majority leader and Garissa Town MP Aden Duale yesterday said the president should not take that time to bring up issues of BBI ‘nonsense’ and ‘the fake handshakes’ that brought down Jubilee Party and stopped the Big Four Agenda.
“We will wish him well in the remaining time and a happy retirement thereafter, we expect the address to have his story for the time he has been president,” said Duale.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan said they expect the president to think outside the box, address the issues of covid and drought.
“My people (Asal regions) will particularly be keen to hear from the President the progress of the drought mitigation measures instituted by the state, and long-term solutions to the perennial problem that has put hundreds of thousands of lives and their livelihoods at the risk of death,” said Keynan.
Additionally, he said the president should brief the country on diplomatic efforts the state had instituted in the troubled Sudan and war-stricken Ethiopia.
“Kenya has been an enviable regional peace, security and diplomatic hub, and the president needs to tell Kenyans measures he has put in place in to guarantee Kenyans of their security in the wake of these conflicts, and diplomatic efforts he is pursuing in both countries,” said Keynan.
National Assembly deputy minority leader and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui said Uhuru needs to tell Kenyans not to let down their guard, let us not get careless so that we can ensure the positivity rate is maintained low
“As the country gears towards a hotly contested 2022 General Election, President Kenyatta will also be confronted with the task of assuring the nation of stability post his tenure as Kenya woes investors in efforts to resuscitate the economy from the effects of Covid 19,” said Mbui.