Kibaki's 2010 new year address to the nation

Presidents’ speech

January 1, 2010

By Eugene Omilo

President Mwai Kibaki yesterday called on Kenyans to make the new year a green year for the country after Kenyans were severely affected by prolonged drought in the past year.

The president described the past year as a challenging one in recent history as the Kenya experienced economic slowdown, high food and fuel prices and drought that affected millions.

He said his government will continue working towards achieving long term interventions that will guarantee food security and reduce reliance on rain fed agriculture.

The president was speaking during his New Year address to the nation at state house Kizingo.

He said the government is in the process of placing an extra 40,000 hectares of land under forest coveras well as reviving several irrigation projects around the country.

“All these are part of my government’s plan to address the problem of climate change.

The head of state urged Kenyans to take individual responsibility over the environment and engage more aggressively in water harvesting and use available water resources in a good manner.

He announced that emphasis will be placed on energy production using green pathways including geothermal and wind energy.

“We will also begin an ambitious plan of planting trees to get our forest cover to ten per cent,” he said.

On the constitution, the president called on the committee of experts to publish a document that will form the foundation for a stable and united Kenya that reflects the will of the majority of Kenyans.

He called on Kenyans to give their views freely to the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission which is due to begin its public hearings this year.

The president also announced plans for the establishment of the East African Common Market protocol that is expected to come into effect on July this year.

He appealed to Kenyans to embrace the opportunities that the common market will bring.

ENDS.