President-elect Uhuru, Ruto pledge to grow economy

President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta has said he is committed to bolstering all sectors of the economy.

Mr Kenyatta said a Jubilee government will work with stakeholders to ensure factories in the Coast region and across the country are profitable and benefit Kenyans.

“That is why we want Kenyans to maintain peace and work together in building the nation,” he said Wednesday after a tour of the Kwale International Sugar Company Limited at Ramisi in Kwale County.

The President-elect cited the strengthening of agriculture-based factories in the Coast, including sugar and cashew-nut factories, as key to improving the region’s economy and creating jobs for the youth.

“We support the revival of the Kwale International Sugar Company Limited and many others in Coast because they will play a crucial role in our efforts to rejuvenate the region’s economy,” he said.

Mr Kenyatta said he was pleased the company has employed over 1,200 locals with protections to increase the number to 3,000 once the factory becomes fully operational next year.

“I am encouraged that the company has plans of establishing an out-grower program where small-scale sugarcane farmers can grow and sell their cane to the company.”

Deputy president-elect William Ruto said Jubilee will serve all Kenyans without discrimination.

“Under the Jubilee Government all Kenyans will be treated equally. No Kenyan will be discriminated on the basis of tribe, religion or political affiliation,” he said.

He said a Jubilee government would improve the agricultural sector and use value addition to create employment for the youth.

Nairobi Senator-elect Gideon Mbuvi 'Sonko' appealed to the youth to maintain peace and shun any attempts to incite them into violence.

Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto, who were accompanied by Coast Provincial Commissioner Samuel Kilele and Environment minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere, were led on a tour of the factory by General Manager Jonathan Perking.