PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has thanked and congratulated the people of Kenya, for awarding peace to East African Community (EAC).
The Head of State said the people of Kenya have demonstrated the maturity of democracy by completing the election safely.
“If there is a gift that you have given to the EAC this year, it is the gift of staging peaceful election, we thank you very much for that important gift,” she said.
Speaking on Tuesday at Kasarani International Sports Center, Nairobi shortly after witnessing the inauguration of William Ruto as Kenya’s fifth president, Ms Samia said that now that the election was over, it was time for people of Kenya to concentrate on the development of their country.
Equally, Ms Samia congratulated the fourth President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta for his outstanding leadership.
She also assured Kenyans of Tanzania’s sincere commitment to work more closely in bringing joint social and economic development for the EAC.
Earlier before the ceremony, President Ruto hosted President Samia at the Karen Office in Nairobi County.
At the inauguration event, President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni said all political classes in Africa should answer the question of where prosperity comes from.
“According to my experience of 60 years, I would advise Africans to know that prosperity comes from wealth creation, which is not the same as natural resources. Wealth means commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, hotels and Information Communication Technology (ICT),” he said
In order for EAC to catch up with the United States of America, he said it needs to look at the issue of the regional market because the more people buy from the bloc the better for business and job creation.
President of Burundi and Chairperson of the EAC Evariste Ndayishimiye commended Kenya for voting their hearts out, demonstrating once more their high level of maturity, and proving to the rest of the world their level of democracy.
“Kenya has won, and your achievement is the pride of the EAC. Congratulations on your victory and defeating the devil of war,” he said.
Dr Ruto took the Oath of Office at 12.44 pm in a swearing-in process that was led by the Judiciary under Chief Justice Martha Koome and the registrar Anne Amadi.
Dr Ruto also received the highest award in the country – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart. His Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, was also sworn in shortly after him.
The event was attended by tens of heads of state and diplomats from across the world. They included East African Community presidents among others.
Delivering his speech, Dr Ruto said Kenya will continue to be a dedicated partner to peace, security and prosperity in the East African region.
“We look forward to deepening our integration. We welcome our newest member, the DRC, whose entry now extends our region from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic
“Kenya is fully committed to the implementation of the EAC treaty and its protocols of free movement of people, goods and services. Equally important is our commitment to the full actualization of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said
He said among the central concerns of his government will be climate change. “In our country, women and men, young people, farmers, workers and local communities suffer the consequences of climate emergency,”
Dr Ruto said it was not too late to respond. To tackle the threat, Kenya must act urgently to keep global heating levels below 1.5C, help those in need and end addiction to fossil fuels.
According to him, Africa has the opportunity to lead the world. “We have immense potential for renewable energy. Reducing the costs of renewable energy technologies make this the most viable energy source,”
As members of the international community, he said they shall support a successful Climate Summit in Africa in November, by championing the delivery of the finance and technology needed for Africa to adapt to climate impacts, support those in need and manage the transition.
“My administration is ready to work with global partners to fight pandemics and other health emergencies. We are also committed to promoting Kenya’s vigilance and efficacy in responding to emerging public health challenges. We stand ready to play our role in the collective efforts to keep the public safe. I call upon countries that have developed vaccines to make them accessible,”
