President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the residents of West Pokot to discard negative cultural practises that breed violence and instead channel their energies to achieve progress.
The President who addressed residents in the frontier towns of Kiwawa and Konyao in West Pokot County said time has come for the residents to use their warrior skills to contribute to building a strong and stable nation.
“I highly respect you the people of Pokot, Kenyans know you as bold and skilful warriors who are fearless in battle. We value you but I now request you to please discard that non-progressive culture which undermines our nationhood and instead channel your energies in modern activities aimed at building a strong nation,” said President Kenyatta.
The President particularly called on the youth to embrace education which would help them acquire skills that would help them access opportunities not only to transform their lives but contribute to Kenya’s development.
“With God’s grace when I win the election the first place to visit will be here. I will come and sit with you to discuss and chart the way forward. I would want to know from you what your desire is in achieving your destiny, “ said the President.
The President pointed out that as the country progresses, Pokot people need to use their strength and power towards improving their lives and building a strong nation.
The President also called on Jubilee aspirants and those of affiliate party of KANU to preach peace and not to misuse the youth to cause violence for their own political gains.
President Kenyatta also expressed his gratitude at the success of the devolved system of government saying it has helped in transforming regions which were neglected.
“If there is any success Jubilee can be proud of, then it is the devolved system which has greatly transformed areas which had earlier been ignored,” said President Kenyatta.
President Kenyatta pointed out that before devolution, residents of Pokot used to travel to Kitale and Eldoret to access basic government services. However, with the new devolved system the road network has improved and the the national government is putting up huduma centre in Kapenguria where all government services will be accessed.
“Through the devolved system you now have a Kenya Medical Training College where locals are being trained on healthcare, therefore you will not have to rely on services of people who are far off,” the President said.
West Pokot Governor Kachapin Nappo thanked President Kenyatta for championing and implementing the devolved system of government which he said has changed the county into one of the most progressive in the country.
“We thank you for what you have done, through your policies, our women now access free maternity services, we have for the first time built four colleges in West Pokot, “ said Governor Kachapin.
He said the county has made major strides including the opening up of the area through rehabilitation of Lodwar Kitale road and the ongoing tarmacking of the road connecting West Pokot and elgeyo/Marakwet counties.
