Remarks · 1 December 2025
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today’s gathering is significant not only because of the indispensable role you play in securing our nation, but also because it comes at a moment when Kenya is undergoing one of the most far-reaching transformations in our recent history.
You, the National Government Administration Officers, particularly chiefs and assistant chiefs, stand at the centre of this transformation.
You are the bridge between the State and wananchi in the remotest village, the first responders when a crisis strikes, and the daily visible face of government to millions of Kenyans.
I have received the Jukwaa la Usalama Report, a document that captures the reality of millions of Kenyans in matters of security, governance, and community well-being.
It reflects the concerns and aspirations of our people, insights from local leaders and citizens, and clear recommendations to strengthen service delivery, public order, and security.
I commend the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration for steering the Jukwaa la Usalama consultations across all the 47 counties, and for ensuring that the voice of the citizen remains firmly at the heart of policy formation.
Kenya’s security has remained largely stable due to the dedication of our National Government Administration Officers, security agencies, and the resilience of our communities.
Yet, as we all appreciate, the threat environment is changing.
We are confronted with community-level conflicts requiring swift intervention; sporadic criminal activities driven by socioeconomic pressures; emerging threats shaped by technology and evolving criminal tactics; localised tensions over resources, boundaries, and competition; and humanitarian challenges such as drought, displacement, and natural hazards that strain communities.
These realities demand proactive leadership, accurate intelligence, coordinated action, and a professional administration that works hand-in-hand with citizens as partners. The Jukwaa la Usalama forums were genuine public engagements, and their recommendations must be translated into concrete action.
The stability of our country and the success of our economic transformation are directly tied to the work you do every single day. Your service enables farmers to produce and transport goods safely; traders to conduct business free from extortion and disruption; youth to pursue opportunities peacefully; infrastructure projects to proceed without interference; and communities to maintain confidence in public institutions.
A secure and orderly environment is the first foundation for investment, growth, and shared prosperity.
Ladies and gentlemen, our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda rests on the understanding that economic progress is impossible without security, stability, and accountable leadership.
The achievements we are recording in agriculture, MSMEs, digital transformation, housing, healthcare, and education depend fundamentally on your work at the grassroots. Allow me to highlight key progress and the programmes you are mandated to support and safeguard.
Agriculture remains the anchor of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the foundation of our economic renewal. Key achievements and ongoing initiatives include the registration of over 7.1 million farmers for the Fertiliser Subsidy Programme; expansion of farmer-support initiatives to increase productivity and reduce the cost of production; strengthening value chains to create jobs and broaden market access; major investments in irrigation and water harvesting to mitigate climate shocks; and enhanced access to inputs, training, and market linkages.
I urge you to promote these programmes, ensure that farmers receive the services they are entitled to, resolve resource-based disputes promptly, and guarantee equitable access to inputs and opportunities.
Ladies and gentlemen, micro, small, and medium enterprises remain the engines of our local economy. Ongoing efforts include the expansion of access-to-finance platforms such as the Hustler Fund, National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA), and National Government Affirmative Action Fund; strengthening cooperatives and community enterprises; and advancing county-level industrialisation through County Aggregation and Industrial Parks.
Since the launch of NYOTA, 12,155 beneficiaries have received over KSh 303 million, with a target of empowering more than 110,000 young entrepreneurs nationwide. The programme also includes On-the-Job Experience for 90,000 youth and Recognition of Prior Learning for 20,000, alongside savings and capacity-building initiatives to help young people trade with the government.
Your role is to mobilise beneficiaries, support fair trading environments, eliminate disruptions, promote good governance in cooperatives and SACCOs, and facilitate access to information on government opportunities.
At the same time, the government continues to expand digital public services to enhance efficiency and transparency. Over 27,000 services have already been onboarded onto digital platforms, with further expansion underway, including universal connectivity and the rollout of Jitume Labs in all wards.
You are expected to adopt digital systems fully, ensure accurate reporting, and support citizens in accessing digital services.
Our housing agenda seeks to stimulate employment and provide dignified living conditions. Ongoing programmes include affordable housing projects in urban and peri-urban areas; upgrading roads, electricity connectivity, water provision, modern markets, public facilities linked to housing projects, and job creation opportunities for youth.
You are expected to enhance public awareness, counter misinformation, mobilise uptake, protect public land, and support the orderly implementation of housing projects.
Health remains central to economic transformation. Efforts underway include sustaining Social Health Authority registration; strengthening primary health networks; expanding insurance coverage; improving medical supply chains and infrastructure; ensuring adequate medicines in health facilities; and establishing facility management committees.
Your role is to ensure households are informed and to support community health workers in outreach programmes.
Our ambition is to nurture a globally competitive generation of young people. Ongoing initiatives are expanding school infrastructure and basic education; implementing the new university funding model; ensuring 100% transition; expanding technical and vocational training; and improving school feeding and safety programmes.
You are required to support enrolment, retention, school safety, and mobilisation for education programmes.
For you to execute these responsibilities effectively, you must continuously educate yourselves on government programmes, ensuring that you articulate them accurately and confidently.
In conclusion, I reaffirm that the success of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the future of our nation rest heavily on your leadership at the grassroots. You hold the trust and confidence of the Kenyan people. Let us, together, build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Kenya. I thank you. ###