Deputy President defends government programs, promises 100,000 teachers by year-end, vows to uphold national security
TAITA TAVETA — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pushed back against criticism of national economic empowerment forums, saying the government is focused on real development not early political campaigns.
Speaking at Satoo Grounds in Taveta Constituency during the ongoing Economic Empowerment Program, Kindiki said the Kenya Kwanza administration is using the forums to deliver direct support to ordinary citizens. He dismissed opposition claims that the events are political in nature or misused for campaigning.
“The time to stand with the people is not during campaigns or on election day. It is now when there are no elections. That is what leadership is about,” Kindiki said. “Some leaders only remember Mama Mboga during campaigns, handing out Ksh50 aprons or reflectors worth Ksh70 just to win votes.”
He emphasized that the forums are meant to support grassroots enterprises, engage with citizens directly, and improve service delivery. “Our priority is to stand with the people not politics because the time for politics is not now,” he added.
Teacher Recruitment
Kindiki also announced a major milestone in education. The government plans to recruit 100,000 teachers by December 2025, a move he described as the largest in Kenya’s history.
“In just two and a half years, we’ve hired 76,000 teachers,” Kindiki said. “By December, we’ll recruit 24,000 more. That brings the total to nearly 30% of all teachers ever employed in Kenya since independence.”
The Kenya Kwanza administration has faced scrutiny over its delivery on education reforms and public service hiring. The new recruitment drive is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen the country’s overstretched teaching workforce and improve learning conditions.
Peace and Security Precedence
Turning to recent protests and rising political tension, Kindiki warned against using demonstrations to provoke instability. “Nobody is permitted to endanger national security and stability by pretending they are exercising their rights,” he said. “Everyone is free to express their views but this must be done peacefully and without arms.”
He made it clear that the government will prioritize peace, even if it comes at the cost of political favor. “National security is more important than anything else. We will protect Kenya’s peace by all means necessary even if our popularity suffers,” he stated.
Recent weeks have seen youth-led protests in multiple cities, with demonstrators opposing tax hikes and governance issues. Human rights observers have raised concerns over the government’s response. Kindiki, however, stood firm that the law will be enforced and public safety upheld.
The Taveta event is part of a broader nationwide tour aimed at connecting the executive with communities outside major urban centers. Kindiki’s message throughout the forum underscored the government’s intent to deliver services consistently between election cycles not just during campaigns.
