Youth Urged to be Patriots of Kenya
Kenyan youth have been called upon to embrace the definition of Kenya, where all people live in harmony and work together for their shared prosperity. The Cabinet Secretary encouraged the new Interns to be patriots’ servants of Kenya by deploying professional competences, retain high level of integrity, remain truthful to national aspirations for unity and shared prosperity not only for Kenya but also for the region Africa and the world at large.
“Your worth and value will be measured by your impact on society”, the CS said, adding that “if you start your professional journey as a well defined professional, you will have a better chance to negotiate the complex world.”
Delivering her speech on nationhood and national interests, the CS stressed that, all public servants have a primary obligation, the duty, demanded by the Constitution, to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kenya. She stressed that, Kenyans, must understand the elements that define the country, the geography, common history, national character, values and common aspirations for today and the future as embodied in the national anthem and loyalty pledge.
CS Juma recounted that “the definition of nationhood was laid by the Kenya’s Founding Fathers and the journey to independence was a key process in defining nationhood – as Kenyans of Kenya.” She added that, Kenya’s first president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta while ushering the new nation rallied everyone around one word – Harambee, Swahili word meaning pulling together. This phrase became the national call for action until now to lead a nation that is politically united and sharing in its prosperity through joint efforts between all people; a nation that leaves no one behind. ”And so as public servants – we SERVE our people,” urged the CS.
The CS observed that President Daniel Toroitch Arap Moi’s Nyayo philosophy advocated for peace, love and unity among all Kenyans, President Mwai Kibaki’s government underscored the value of diversity, defining Kenya as a ‘Rainbow nation, ’ while President Uhuru Kenyatta’s desire is to nurture a united country advocating for Building Bridges Initiatives that seeks to guarantee inclusive participation in governance. The CS wished Interns the best of success and good experience as they take the new role in the mantle of service to the country and humanity.
