William Ruto’s Inspirational Mashujaa Day Speech

 

President William Ruto during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kericho Green Stadium in Kericho County on October 20, 2023

Our guest, Tete Antonio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, Kenyans;

‘’On this special occasion of Mashujaa Day, we gather to commemorate the remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the history and destiny of our beloved nation. 

It’s a celebration of the power of ordinary men and women who believed in their ability to effect change, who dared to challenge the status quo, and who, through their unwavering commitment, shaped the course of our nation.

In 1963, our nation was under the shadow of colonial rule, with basic freedoms and dignity denied to our people. Yet, in the hearts of many, a fire of change burned bright. It was the belief in the necessity of change that propelled these individuals to take action, and in their actions, we witnessed the birth of progress.

Today, we find ourselves at a different juncture, a hunger for socioeconomic transformation that resonates with the masses. We believe that this transformation is long overdue, and we are right to demand it. 

The call for heroism is as urgent as it was in the days leading to our independence. The power of individual action remains as potent today as it was then.

Our modern heroes can be found in the fields, the markets, the factories, and the offices. They are the creative minds shaping our culture, the athletes on the playing fields, and the dedicated workers contributing to various fields.

Every day, when we give our best, deploying our diligence, intellect, passion, creativity, and a sense of purpose, we contribute to the transformation of our nation. Our collective efforts are changing Kenya for the better.

Our mission is clear – it's a call to embrace Ushujaa, the best within us, every day, to propel our country forward. We are committed to empowering Kenyans in various fields by democratizing government services, ensuring that as many Kenyans as possible have the opportunity to excel, thus propelling us toward a brighter future.

Our Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest standards of health. Despite the efforts of successive governments since independence, we have not fully achieved Universal Health Coverage. This is why we have made it a core pillar of our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Our commitments include fully publicly financed primary healthcare, the establishment of a digital health management information system, and the creation of a fund to improve health facilities. 

We are also setting up an emergency medical treatment fund and a national insurance fund to cover all Kenyans, while ensuring that medical staff are available to deliver Universal Health Coverage.

We are shifting our focus to preventive and promotive health, as it not only improves health outcomes but also makes economic sense. For every Kenyan Shilling invested in community health, we realize Sh9.40 in economic and social gains.

We are introducing Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who will provide basic preventive and promotive health, health education, and basic first aid. Each CHP will serve 100 homes in their community. 

To ensure the sustainability of community health services, we are working with county governments to pay stipends to 100,000 CHPs on a matching basis of 50:50.

We are also providing CHPs with kits containing basic equipment for household health screening, medicines, and supplies. Quality community health data is essential, and we are committed to delivering on the digital health agenda.

To strengthen health financing, service provision, and the achievement of Universal Health Coverage, we have enacted four new health laws:

• Social Health Insurance Act, 2023

• Primary Health Care Act

• Facility Improvement Financing Act, 2023

• Digital Health Act, 2023

We are revolutionizing health insurance to ensure it is accessible to all Kenyans, with a per-household payment system. This new system ensures that access to healthcare is based on health needs rather than the ability to pay.

Our healthcare system is shifting from curative to preventive and promotive services, with a focus on technology and digital health information systems. These changes will enhance the efficiency of health service delivery and resource management.

Our commitment to a better Kenya extends beyond healthcare. We are investing in agriculture to increase productivity and support farmers with access to fertilizers, affordable credit, and extension services. 

We have already distributed millions of bags of region-specific crop fertilizers, benefiting farmers and increasing agricultural output.

We are also reducing our national edible oil import bill by supporting sunflower cultivation, creating opportunities for farmers in multiple regions.

The digital transformation of our government services is a testament to our commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ease of access. We have made over 13,000 services available online, and we continue to invest in digital infrastructure to connect even the most remote areas.

In education, we have addressed teacher shortages and engaged teacher interns to ensure quality education for our children. We are also expanding technical and vocational training and guaranteeing needy students free college studies.

Our Affordable Housing Programme is not only creating jobs but also spurring economic activity in various sectors. We are constructing thousands of housing units, creating employment opportunities and supporting local industries.

In conclusion, let us celebrate the heroes of our nation, those who have embraced the spirit of hustling, and those who have embraced the bottom-up economic transformation agenda. 

We are committed to walking this path with you, building a Kenya that offers quality healthcare, economic opportunities, and a brighter future for all.’’

May God bless you, and may God bless Kenya.