President Uhuru Kenyatta defends public postings

President Kenyatta has defended his appointment of retired politicians and civil servants for public positions, saying that age is not a disease.

Speaking at the University of Nairobi during the laying of the foundation stone for the University of Nairobi Towers, Mr Kenyatta said he will blend the young and the old for improved delivery of public service.

“Young people will take the majority of the jobs, but we will also have people with experience to work with them,” the President said.

He went on: “Where do you want us to take them? Kenya needs all people be they disabled, women or the youth; we have to work together to take this nation forward.”

DEALING WITH CORRUPTION

The remarks come a week after he appointed retired politicians and former ministers Sam Ongeri, Chirau Ali Mwakwere, Robinson Githae, and former MPs Kiema Kilonzo and Sheikh Dor, among others, as ambassadors.

The President also appointed Maj-Gen (retired) Gordon Kihalangwa Director of Immigration and nominated Maj-Gen (retired) Jeoff Otieno as Kenya’s ambassador to Egypt.

He said learning institutions should help fight graft and other social problems that affect the country.

“We have to look for ways of dealing with corruption and change our moral culture so that we do not see government jobs as opportunities of corruption and chasing deals,” he said.

IMPROVE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Head of State was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi and Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku.

He said that the government would improve the working environment for staff in higher institutions of learning.

However, despite appreciating the good work of the teaching and non-teaching staff , Mr Kenyatta said the issue of pay had now been left to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

Mr Kenyatta challenged the university to focus on building a strong cadre of professionals, who will lead Kenya’s trade and industry, entrepreneurship, service, research and innovation, public service and technocracy into realising our potential as a nation.

He praised the Chandaria Foundation and other partners for contributing towards the project.

“There is no reason why these grants cannot be supplemented by funds pooled from their benefactors. My government would be only too happy to work with benefactors who undertook projects of this kind,” the President said.

He said the government and Kenyans expect their funds to be used in a most prudent and transparent manner.

The tower that will have 22 floors will cost Sh2.5 billion and is expected to be ready next year to create more space for students and lecturers.