President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses the public at the Mama Ngina
Waterfront in Mombasa County where the 10th Mashujaa Day celebrations
took place on October 20, 2019. PHOTO | PSCU
Distinguished guests,
My fellow Kenyans,
I
wish to thank the people of Mombasa in particular, and the coast region
in general, for the warm welcome you have accorded me and other
visitors from across the country.
To
foster nationhood; a few years ago, my administration made the decision
to celebrate national days on a rotational basis. In this way we
celebrate the diversity of the nation and show that while we are many,
we are one. One Nation - One People.
This
new tradition also allows us to appreciate the rich diversity of our
country, and, in particular, the positive contributions being made under
our devolved structure of governance.
In addition, it gives the hosting county the rare opportunity to showcase itself on the national stage.
Today, Mombasa joins the
counties of Nakuru; Machakos; Nyeri; Meru; Kakamega and Narok, who have
hosted national day celebrations in the past.
It
is, therefore, my great pleasure to lead the Nation in celebrating the
10th Mashujaa Day from Kenya’s oldest town and her second city–Mombasa.
DEVOLUTION
Fellow Kenyans,
Mombasa
and, indeed, the entire Coast region is a good example of my
administration’s commitment to the letter and spirit of devolution.
Over
the last six years since I took office in 2013, the counties of Kilifi,
Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Taita Taveta and Tana River, have cumulatively
received close to Sh190 billion from the National Treasury.
In
addition to running county governments, these devolved funds have paid
for roads, schools, youth polytechnics, water projects and hospitals at
the local level – development projects that make a difference and better
the quality of life for millions of Kenyan families.
Fellow Kenyans,
Under
my administration, we have undertaken tangible steps to address the
unique development needs of this region. In the six years, there has
been more targeted and concerted focus on developing the coast region
than any other time in the history of our country.
From
Holili in Taita Taveta County to Mokowe on the shores of Lamu County;
from the fishing ports of Shimoni in Kwale County to Borji in Tana River
County; from the legendary Bamba shopping center in the nearby Kilifi
County to the Mama Ngina Sea Front, that is playing host to today’s
event, the visual markers of progress are plain for all to see.
The
Dongo Kundu by-pass, the road from Bamba to Mariakani, the link road
from Tsavo East to Malindi from Sala Gate, the Garsen-Witu Road and the
Voi to Taveta Road, are just some examples of the enabling
infrastructure, built to unleash the economic potential of the towns and
villages that they connect.
TRANSFORMATION
In
Mombasa, the transformation continues to redefine the face of the
county through the recently completed road projects: Miritini, Mwache,
Kipevu New Container Link Road and Moi International Airport Access
Road, Port Reitz and Moi International Airport Access Road while the
following other projects are on the verge of completion, that is:
Mariakani Highway and dualling of Magongo Road.
It is under this Administration that our ports and harbours have been expanded with new investment.
At
Kilindini, we have more than doubled the volume of cleared cargo
passing through the port annually. The significance of the port is
further underscored by an 8,000-strong direct workforce hired at the
facility and an even larger number of people that it supports
indirectly.
Under my
Administration, we are reviving the Kenya National Shipping Lines. It
is my plea to all the Stakeholders to support this transformative
initiative, that is geared towards cementing our place as the logistics
hub for the region and the continent.
We will not turn back in our pursuit to secure our national interest in the shipping industry.
Our
endeavour to localize the shipping industry and to ensure that our
young men and women can, once again, sail the seven seas under Kenyan
flagged vessels; is unstoppable. These opportunities will benefit
everyone.
BLUE ECONOMY
Fellow Kenyans,
It
is under this Administration that the County of Lamu will play host to
the newest port on the African east coast. The Lamu Port will begin its
operations, initially as a trans-shipment hub for global shipping lines.
It
will be supported by a Special Economic Zone that is expected to
attract investors from across the world, to undertake various economic
activities.
Our
aspiration is to link the Lamu Port to the Lamu Port South
Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, through road
infrastructure. Our aim is to make Lamu Port the port of choice for the
export of Kenya’s crude oil.
I
urge the residents of Lamu to embrace this investment and to take
advantage of the many opportunities that it will bring, in terms of
wealth creation and prosperity.
Fellow Kenyans,
Kenya is now a global champion in the development of the blue economy.
Our
strategy to harness our maritime resources is a critical part of the
Big 4 Agenda on food security and job creation in the manufacturing
sector. It is in pursuit of the blue economy development that my
Administration has moved decisively to recover all fish landing sites
that had been illegally acquired.
In
addition, we have taken steps to stop illegal fishing by foreign
trawlers, through the introduction of the region’s first “National Coast
Guard Service”. In partnership with the leadership of the coast
region, every effort will be made to sensitize the population on how to
take advantage of the opportunities created by the blue economy.
MANY SHUJAAS
Fellow Kenyans,
Mashujaa
Day is a National Day to collectively honour all those who participated
in the Struggle for our Independence as well as those who have
positively contributed towards the development of post-independence
Kenya.
On this day, we
celebrate those who have built Kenya with their bravery, sacrifice and
fidelity. We celebrate and honour those that go above and beyond the
call of duty.
By this
definition, it is possible for each and every Kenyan to be feted on
Mashujaa Day. Why? Because positive contributions towards
post-independence Kenya do not necessarily require grand acts of heroism
akin to those of the Founding Fathers and Mothers of our Great Nation.
To
be a Shujaa is to be committed to going above and beyond your call of
duty, whatever your station in life, in order to make Kenya a better
place for all.
The Sons
and Daughters of the coast region made phenomenal contribution to the
Struggle for Independence. From Mekatilili wa Menza to Ronald Ngala,
you gave Kenya countless men and women of iconic status, who contributed
immensely to freeing our Nation from the yoke of colonial rule.
In post-independence Kenya, the coast region has given rise to Kenyan heroes across the full spectrum of our public life.
Your
Sons and Daughters have brought honour and glory to Kenya as renowned
business persons, researchers and scientists, exemplary musicians and
artists, prominent political leaders and trade unionists, inspirational
professionals, world-class academics and dependable military generals
and civil servants.
The story of Kenya would not be as rich, dynamic or as vibrant, were it not for your Sons and Daughters.
As
their descendants, I am proud to proclaim that their legacy is alive
and well within you; a fact demonstrated by the continued contributions
to the Kenyan Dream, being made by all the people of Pwani.
MANY CONTRIBUTORS
Fellow Kenyans,
Today, we celebrate all the men and women from every corner and community of Kenya, who helped make Kenya an Independent State.
Today,
we celebrate all those who laid the foundation for the realization of
our shared prosperity, for our freedoms and for a Country that is
peaceful and secure.
Today, we celebrate the farmers who continue to feed the Nation through the sweat of their brow and the work of their hands.
Today,
we celebrate our civil servants, who have been, for more than half a
century, the engine of our State and anchors of our democracy.
Today,
we celebrate our doctors, nurses and other health workers as they
continue their compassionate service. These professionals, who often
work tirelessly and selflessly, have been responsible for, among other
milestones, increasing our life expectancy from the 35 years at
Independence to 67 years currently.
Today,
we celebrate our teachers, from the Early Childhood Development (ECD)
instructors who receive our children when they first go to school, all
the way to primary and high school, through whom, generation after
generation of Kenyans, have been moulded and nurtured to realize their
full potential in life. We celebrate teachers like Mwalimu Peter
Tabichi, whose selfless service and excellence, led to his recognition
as the World’s Best Teacher.
Today,
we celebrate our scholars, researchers and innovators who are
constantly searching for new knowledge and instructing our university
students. Scholars like the late Dr. Esther Mwangi, who dedicated her
life to the study of forest conservation and management, property
rights, as well as economic governance.
Today,
we honour the Kenyans called to serve around the World; our Kenyans in
the diaspora, who continue to be our brand ambassadors in countries far
from home, and who continue to support millions of Kenyans back home.
Today,
we honour our men and women in uniform serving across our various
services, whose commitment to duty, sacrifice and bravery is at the
heart of our freedom and security.
Today,
we particularly honour and salute all those who paid the ultimate price
for the sake of Kenya; all those whose actions have contributed to
making Kenya, the towering island of peace and security, within a region
fraught with a history of turmoil and insecurity.
We
remember and treasure those who are no longer with us, and all those
who continue their legacy today; all those who have built and continue
to build our country. These are great Kenyans. Hawa ni Mashujaa Wetu.
HEROISM
Fellow Kenyans,
We live in a world where we are often misled to believe that our best and brightest men and women have long died.
We
live in a world where we are told that the age of heroes is past and
that we pale in comparison to the icons who came before us.
The
modern world appears to suggest that unless one achieves truly
outstanding feats of global renown, then one is not a hero, nor can he
or she claim to be great. We must reject this view that Kenya’s best
days are behind us.
Our
Nation continues to be the Home of Mashujaa, just as it was when bold
men and women stood in solidarity against a world power, and won our
independence and sovereignty, while only armed with courage and
sacrifice.
A Shujaa is one who sacrifices greed, selfishness, personal comfort and advancement at the altar of the greater good.
Yes,
one can do well and prosper, but if one does not use their blessings,
privilege and opportunities to make Kenya a better place, then that is a
life that is far removed from the true meaning of Ushujaa.
Of
course, we are fortunate to have had very many acts of might and
sacrifice that fit perfectly with the long Kenyan tradition of heroism.
The
spirit of Mekatilili wa Menza lives on in the heroic women, who are
fighting negative cultural practices or blazing the trail for women to
venture into arenas once solely the preserve of men.
The
spirit of Koitalel Arap Samoei is alive and well in the police officers
who serve and protect us; and ensure that we live by the law and with
order and justice.
Dedan
Kimathi‘’s spirit courses through the veins of the men and women of the
Kenya Defence Forces, who, even as we speak, are deployed in a foreign
land, confronting and defeating our enemies.
The
heroism, patriotism and the love of country exhibited by our
independence-era leadership persists to this very day, as embodied in
the historic ‘Handshake’ through which political divides were bridged,
for the sake of peace and a better Kenya.
INTEGRITY
Fellow Kenyans,
A
Shujaa pays their full share of taxes; promptly, diligently, and not
under coercion. A Shujaa refuses to give or receive a bribe and reports
all those who do so.
A Shujaa is not an innocent by-stander, non-committal and uninvolved; instead they think, move and speak boldly.
Most
importantly, a Shujaa understands that the family is the basic and
fundamental unit of Kenyan society, and their acts of heroism begin at
home, by being a role model and effective father, mother, son, daughter
or guardian.
Mashujaa do not cheat or succumb to compromise. A shujaa does not pick soft but wrong options.
They
are the judges and magistrates, who faithfully and expeditiously
discharge their Oath of Office without cowering in the face of the power
and ill-gotten wealth of corruption suspects.
They
are the investigators and prosecutors who brave intimidation and reject
inducements, so as to bring the corrupt and other criminals to face
justice.
They are the
first responders such as fire fighters, who rush into burning buildings
to save us from the blaze; the paramedics and ambulance crews that come
to our aid on the roads and in our homes.
They
are the young Kenyans who are peer-ambassadors in the fight against
drug abuse and other vices that have led some of our youth astray.
Mashujaa
are our sportsmen and women, who bring our Nation pride and glory on
the local, regional, continental and global stages; breaking records
along the way and enhancing our national reputation of excellence.
Mashujaa
are like our giant-slaying national team who represented our country in
the just concluded World Athletics Championship in Doha. The Shujaa
team finished at an impressive second position in the world ranking.
KIPCHOGE, KOSGEI
I
must mention the two Shujaas of the year 2019: Eliud Kipchoge; and
Brigid Kosgei, who on a weekend of global firsts smashed the women’s
marathon world record.
Kenya today is the global custodian of both men and women World Record Marathon titles.
Our
very own Eliud Kipchoge, beyond the world title, he bagged in 2018; has
further achieved the previously unthinkable feat of being the first
human being to run the marathon distance in under two hours.
We
are most fortunate today to have in our presence, sporting icon and
living legend, Eliud Kipchoge. His world-breaking feat is an
inspiration to all Kenyans and, indeed, to all the people of our planet.
He has demonstrated that through integrity, hard work and commitment to
excellence, nothing is out of reach. His achievements remind us that
we should never limit ourselves to the ordinary.
On
behalf of a grateful Nation, I honour and commend all the journalists
who play their proper role as the Fourth Estate, reporting fearlessly by
speaking truth to power, while rejecting brown-envelope journalism and
the allure of sensationalism.
On
behalf of a grateful Nation, I salute our actors, musicians, comics and
artists who bring joy and laughter to our lives; who inspire and
provoke thought and introspection; who chronicle our journey along the
path of the Kenyan dream, in a manner that upholds our values and
national identity.
PRINCIPLES
Fellow Kenyans,
The
Kenya of today is the river that flows from the source of greatness,
that is, those who went before us. The Kenyan story continues to be one
of greatness, heroism, overcoming seemingly unsurmountable challenges,
through unwavering commitment and an indomitable spirit.
From
the pre-colonial generations to the generation of Kenyans just being
born; ours is a tale of excellence, of honour, of unity through
diversity and of love for our fellow human beings.
A
tale which continues to be written and enhanced through the great and
small acts of heroism and greatness of each and every Kenyan.
Today,
every Kenyan should commit to being a Shujaa; to championing the
principles, values and ideals that underscore the very best of Kenya.
Be a good Samaritan, intervene when you see others in distress or in
need of assistance.
Be
a Shujaa by going out into your local community and finding ways in
which you can make a difference, no matter how small it may seem to
you.
Galvanize your
neighbours, form local community action groups, build a better Kenya
from the ground. Make our Nation an even better Home of Mashujaa.
This approach to heroism is the surest path to a better Kenya for all.
COMMITMENT
Prosperity,
equity, justice and happiness requires heroes to be committed to
championing and delivering the shared aspiration of a better Kenya for
all.
My fellow
citizens; “Kuajibika ni Ushujaa: Civic Duty is Heroism”. Be a hero in
all that you do, in every waking moment, in every action and in every
word.
Our Home of Mashujaa needs you, now more than ever – the 45 million of us.
Kenya
is at a pivotal stage in her progress. The actions and decisions that
each Kenyan makes in the present day, will determine whether our Nation
will achieve the Kenyan dream as articulated under the Kenya Vision
2030, and presently focused through the Big Four Agenda.
Just
to remind ourselves, the Big Four encompasses: a decent roof over many
more heads through affordable housing, food and nutritional security,
universal healthcare and job creation through manufacturing and value
addition.
Let us all
remain committed to the race, to being the best and world-beaters in all
that we do. In each of us lies the seeds of greatness, of heroism.
Every
Kenyan should plant that seed in the fertile soils of Integrity, water
it with hard work and commitment to duty, grow it only in the direction
of the light of truth and justice, and reap from the tree only those
fruits that have been borne from our rightful efforts.
SERVICE
Fellow Kenyans,
All
world religions have a golden thread of service to fellow mankind,
especially the less fortunate. They demand that we improve ourselves and
that we also better the world around us.
As
a prayerful and a God-fearing Nation, and one that acknowledges the
supremacy of God Almighty in the preamble of her Constitution. A Nation
of One People of many faiths whose diversity is our strength, we should
come together and commit to ourselves and to each other that we shall
look out for the welfare of our fellow Kenyans.
As
a Nation of Mashujaa and in keeping with the teaching of St. Francis of
Assisi: Let each one of us commit to being an instrument of peace, to
sow love amidst hatred, to give hope where there is despair, to banish
the darkness of our world with the light of our good words and actions.
I
call upon us all to attempt to do the best with what is committed onto
us. One of our greatest heroines - The late Professor Wangari Maathai,
who inspired the world with her commitment to Mother Nature, often
shared the story of the Little Hummingbird. When faced with a huge
forest fire, all other animals, stood by and did nothing, overwhelmed
and feeling powerless.
But
the Hummingbird decided to do something about the fire. It flew to the
nearest stream, picked a drop of water and sought to put out the fire,
one drop of water at a time.
And
so, Professor Maathai encouraged us to be like that little
Hummingbird—to do the best we can, even though it may seem insignificant
to others. Eventually, it will count for much.
Let
us be a Nation of Hummingbirds, transforming our communities, one drop,
one step, one initiative, one transformation at a time.
NO LIMITS
Similarly,
Eliud Kipchoge has inspired the world that no human effort is
futile…That we can dream and make our dreams a possibility. That we can
achieve what has never been achieved before.
Eliud
Kipchoge remains the Greatest of our Time. Our duty is to emulate this
enviable level of discipline and determination in our pursuit for a
better Kenya for all. His latest conquest will be a constant reminder
that we can achieve the very best, as individuals, and as a Nation.
On
my part, I commit the Government of Kenya to even greater fidelity to
the principles, values and aspirations that informed the struggle for
independence; and all the positive development of post-independence
Kenya.
We commit to
providing each and every Kenyan with the enabling environment, to be all
that they can be; and to bring out the Shujaa in each and every
Kenyan.
Working together, in unity of purpose, we shall defy all odds and succeed.
Thank you and God bless Kenya.
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