The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has read a second riot act against ‘foul-mouthed’ Trade, Industry and Investments Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and president William Ruto’s Economic Advisor David Ndii for uttering remarks interpreted as condescending and demeaning to Kenyans amid rising uproar over skyrocketing cost of living.
The DP urged public servants to respect Kenyans as they address challenges facing the country.
Speaking yesterday while addressing the 36th General Conference of the International Scientific Council of the Trypanosomiasis Research and Control at PrideInn Hotel in Mombasa, Gachagua said Kenyans deserve to be treated with respect and listened to all the time, more so during difficult times.
“All of us given the privilege to serve should do so with humility. We should have empathy with the people you are taking care of, respect those under you, address them with respect and decorum. It costs you nothing.” The DP said.
He said those employed in public service should always be keen on how they address citizens.
“If you serve the people of Kenya, those are your bosses, they are your employers. You should dignify them by the way you address them.” He added.
The DP said leaders must always remain focused and steady when addressing challenges.
“Even when there are challenges, remain calm and steady and address problems in a humane and humble way, so that those who are victims of that challenge can feel understood and empathised. That is the hallmark of leadership.” He stated.
At the same time, the Deputy President has said the government is ready to respond to related challenges linked to the Elnino rains expected in the country towards the end of the month.
He said the he will convene a meeting with all relevant agencies to tighten their preparedness.
“In the coming week, I will chair the national emergency response committee with all our development partners, county governments, various ministries and all other stakeholders to ascertain their preparedness.” He added.
Gachagua said Kenya is on course to eradicate Trypanosomiasis in a bid to sustain higher income from livestock production.
“Livestock contributes between 30 per cent and 80 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product of Sub-Saharan Africa. But this contribution is under threat from Animal African Trypanosomiasis, which has been linked to economic losses of up to USD 4.5 billion annually” Gachagua noted.
He said the government is focused on effectively dealing with the tsetse fly which transmits the disease in a bid to improve productivity for farmers.
Kenya has not reported any case of sleeping sickness, also transmitted by tsetse flies in humans, since 2009.
“Kenya remains steady in eliminating the tsetse fly. Under the current development policy, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, manufacturing is a key pillar. In the next two years, Kenya will stop importing leather items. That is why expelling this tsetse fly disease is important as we look forward to spurring the leather industry in Kenya,” said Gachagua.
He challenged African countries to work together in the fight against Trypanosomiasis saying the continent has shown it can find solutions to its problems.
“When we meet and unite as a continent, we will find solutions to all the challenges we face.” The DP noted.
He added that the disease remained a threat to most economies in Africa with millions of people depending on livestock for food.
