Remarks · 28 May 2025
Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, Honourable Members of Parliament; Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners; Distinguished religious and political leaders; Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have gathered here this morning, as we have done every year since the National Prayer Breakfast was launched in 2003, to pray for our nation, forge unity, and build bridges across political, religious, and community divides.
Our presence today affirms the National Prayer Breakfast’s pivotal role as one of Kenya’s most unifying platforms for national reflection, grounded in the bipartisan and interfaith commitment of our Parliament.
The scripture, in Nehemiah 2:20, tells us, “The God of heaven will prosper us; therefore we, His servants, will arise and build.” This verse captures the essence and core message of our gathering today.
“Arise and Rebuild” is more than a theme; it is a sacred call to action, a renewal of our national covenant rooted in the words of our National Anthem when we say: ‘Let one and all arise with hearts both strong and true.’ These words are not just a lyrical expression, but a pledge to rise in spirit, in purpose, and in unity.
To arise and rebuild is to return to the ideals that shaped our Republic so that justice may be our shield and defender, and plenty may be found within our borders.
The story of Nehemiah reminds us that every great national renewal begins with the desire to overcome adversity, guided by prayer, faith in God, and bold, decisive action.
Like Nehemiah, who sought and received secured the king’s favour to rebuild Jerusalem’s broken walls, we too have received divine permission through the will of the people and the favour of history to arise and rebuild our nation into a stronger, fairer, more inclusive, and united Kenya.
What made Nehemiah’s mission of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem successful was not just the plan, important as it was. It was the people, men and women, priests and merchants, nobles and labourers, who all took their respective places and stood shoulder to shoulder on the wall, laying brick after brick.
As patriotic Kenyans, we must emulate this example. As a government, we are committed to the urgent task of rebuilding our society and economy, uplifting those at the bottom, without leaving any Kenyan behind, strengthening our institutions, healing our politics, and securing lasting peace.
Despite recent turbulence, from global geopolitical tensions and climate-related shocks to domestic challenges, the results of our ongoing efforts to rebuild the nation are becoming increasingly evident.
Our economy is now more stable, resilient, and robust than it was two years ago. We have achieved an average growth rate of 5.0%, surpassing the global average of 3.3%. Inflation has dropped sharply from 9.6% in October 2022 to 4.1% last month. Meanwhile, the Kenyan shilling has strengthened significantly, rising from a low of 162 ten months ago to a stable 129. These gains reflect sound macroeconomic management and renewed investor confidence.
Ladies and Gentlemen, despite early scepticism, and even outright cynicism, the Affordable Housing Programme is not only taking shape, it is transforming lives in profound and tangible ways. Just last week, 1,080 families in Nairobi’s Mukuru slums stepped into a new reality as they received keys to their own homes.
For these families, it was more than a change of address; it marked the beginning of a life defined by dignity, security, and a sense of belonging. Across the country, thousands more will be uplifted as new housing units are completed. This programme stands as one of the most visible and impactful pillars of our national renewal, a testament to what it means to rebuild a nation from the bottom up.
We also made the bold and necessary decision to overhaul and rebuild our public healthcare system, transforming it into one that is more accessible, inclusive, and accountable to every Kenyan. Through Taifa Care, millions who were once excluded from basic health services are now receiving the care they deserve. Today, 23 million Kenyans are registered with SHA, with an average of 50,000 new registrations each day.
These numbers represent mothers accessing safe deliveries, children receiving essential vaccines, the elderly accessing muchneeded cancer treatment, and families spared the heartbreak of losing loved ones due to unaffordable medical care. Despite initial challenges, Kenyans across the country are bearing witness and can now affirm that SHA is working.
Honourable Members, Distinguished Guests: In agriculture, deliberate and targeted policies have triggered a remarkable turnaround. Productivity has surged across key value chains, including maize, tea, coffee, sugar, and milk, with yields increasing by up to 50%. These gains are the result of bold reforms, timely subsidies, and strategic investments, which are restoring food security, boosting incomes, and revitalising rural economies.
In education, we have successfully transitioned to the Competency-Based Curriculum, equipping learners to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. At the tertiary level, the New Funding Model has averted a crisis by revitalising universities and technical institutions that were facing financial difficulties, enabling thousands of students to continue their studies.
Ladies and Gentlemen, those are just a few examples of how we are answering the call to “Arise and Rebuild”. There is much more national renewal in our midst.
As I conclude, I draw one final lesson from the story of Nehemiah. Even in the face of ridicule, doubt, and fierce contestation, Nehemiah stood firm, remained focused, and persisted in doing the right thing.
When we restore dignity through affordable housing, empower small businesses with affordable credit, create jobs, uplift Mama Mboga through modern markets, integrate jua kali artisans to access opportunities in the housing value chain, and invest in the dreams of young innovators through a robust digital superhighway, we lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive society and economy.
We must stay the course. We must rise above the noise. And together, with faith, purpose, and unity, we must arise and rebuild. I thank you. God bless you. God bless Kenya.