PSCU) – President Uhuru Kenyatta has commended Kenyans for voting in many women in political positions, saying this is a sign of a progressive democracy.
He said with the election of three women governors – two on a Jubilee party – and three women senators as well as several Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of County Assembly (MCAs), Kenya is on the right track towards its all-inclusive development quest.
The President, who spoke today during the inauguration of the new Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso, commended the residents for electing progressive leaders who are ready to work with the national Government to advance the transformation agenda. Also sworn-in was the Bomet Deputy Governor Hillary Barchok.
“I want to thank Kenyans, and especially Jubilee supporters, for choosing women to take up political leadership,” said the President.
He said with Jubilee having majority elected governors, senators, MPs and MCAs, it is clear that Kenyans chose the party to take the country forward.
“Jubilee has 27 governors, 28 senators, 31 women representatives, 170 MPs and majority MCAs. With majority at all levels, it is clear that Jubilee took the victory,” said the President.
He said although it is the right for the Opposition to go to court, it would have been wiser for them to concede defeat and allow Kenyans to continue with their development agenda.
The President called on NASA leader Raila Odinga to follow the example of his co-principle Isaac Ruto who has conceded defeat and pledged to support the new governor in developing Bomet county.
“We are waiting for the Supreme Court decision but he (Raila) should have been a gentleman like his co-principle Isaac Ruto so that Kenyans can continue with their nation-building activities uninterrupted,” said the President.
He pointed out that leadership is not about competition but rather service delivery to wananchi and urged the incoming county governments to partner with the national Government in delivering quality service to Kenyans.
Speaking after taking oath of office, Governor Laboso said devolution did not intend to create competition and enmity between the national and county governments but rather a relationship based on cooperation and mutual engagement for the benefit of citizens.
“I give you my promise that I shall steer our county away from the tumultuous waters of perennial controversy to the calm waters of consultation with fellow leaders and working in harmony with the national Government for the benefit of our people,” said Governor Laboso.
While pledging to provide servant-leadership, Governor Laboso pointed out that the position of governor was not created so as to have people who will lord it over citizens but rather to facilitate delivery of timely and quality service.
“Our people aspired to hire a servant who would lead them in decision making, and determining how their resources would be allocated. I give you my promise that I shall be a servant-leader,” she said.
She said as a firm believer in law and legal instituted institutions, she would work closely with elected leaders to ensure service delivery to Bomet residents.
“We shall truthfully adhere to the law and spirit of public participation in decision making and ensure equitable distribution of resources in all wards,” said Governor Laboso.
The new Bomet Governor said in accordance to her 7-point plan manifesto, her administration will improve crop and dairy production, source markets for agricultural products and build strong cooperative societies to make agriculture a productive, attractive and profitable enterprise.
“We shall solve perennial water problems once and for all by putting up high volume tanks in every ward and work with the national Government to fast track completion of the Bosto water project,” said the new Governor.
She also pledged to work to improve the county road network and partner with the national Government to not only complete all ongoing road tarmacking projects but also initiate new ones.
“We shall ensure there is at least one dispensary per sub-location and one health centre per ward with improved maternal and child care services and upgrade medical facilities including Kapkoros, Tegat, Sigor, Sotik, Koiwa, Cheptalal and Bomet town health centres,” said the Bomet Governor.
Governor Laboso further said her administration will establish well-equipped Early Childhood Development Centres (ECD) in every public primary school in Bomet besides equipping all technical and vocational training institutes to enhance basic training for artisans and expanding infrastructure for the Bomet University.
Other speakers included outgoing Governor Isaac Ruto and Elgeyo/Marakwet Senator Kipchuma Murkomen. Senator Murkomen challenged NASA leaders to wait and respect the Supreme court verdict on the election.
He said once the decision is made Kenyans need to continue with their development agenda instead of being threatened with mass action.
The ceremony was also attended by several leaders including governors, MPs, Cabinet Secretaries and wananchi from all walks of life.
