Preceded by Amos Kimunya | President Mwai Kibaki President Mwai Kibaki Succeeded by Robinson Njeru Githae | |
The Presidency of Uhuru Kenyatta began on 9 April 2013 after being sworn in as 4th president of Kenya. He succeeded Mwai Kibaki. During his inaugural speech Uhuru promised economic transformation through vision 2030 , unity among all Kenyans, free maternal care and that he would serve all Kenyans.
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Transition period
When the first round of the presidential election took place on 4 March 2013, Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the president-elect of Kenya by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Raila Odinga challenged this in the Supreme Court of Kenya. However, his petition was dismissed on March 30, 2013.
Inauguration
After the supreme court dismissed Raila petition, the swearing in ceremony was held on 9 April 2013 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi. According to Article 141 (2) (b) of the constitution says that in case the Supreme Court upholds the victory of the president-elect, the swearing in will take place on "the first Tuesday following the seventh day following the date on which the court renders a decision declaring the election to be valid."
During his inaugural address he promised the following:
Policy
He promised that he will boost the country’s key agricultural and manufacturing sectors and reduce high unemployment rates. Buying encouraging Kenyan to buy local products. he further outlined 9 pillar that his government will be based on;,
Economy
Deputy president promised the economic transformation especially in areas of Agriculture and tourism in his inaugural speech
Foreign Policy
The government ordered all its 52 ambassador and high commissioner back into the country for briefing and consultations with the new administration. They were given 7 days.
Foreign Trips
He made his first trip out of the country on 27 April 2013 to Arusha. He attended the 11th Extra-Ordinary Summit of East African Community Heads of State.
On 3 May, Uhuru made a trip to Ethiopia to attend the 21st Extraordinary IGAD Summit. He later had talks with his host, Hailemariam Desalegn.
Uhuru visited the UK under invitation of PM David Cameron on 5 May 2013. He addressed a conference in London on Somalia. He later had a bilateral talk with Mr Cameron.
Uhuru visited South Africa on 9 May 2013 to attend the world economic forum. He held bilateral talks with Jacob Zuma, the President of South Africa.
On 24 May 2013, he visited South Sudan on his way to Ethiopia for the African Union's 50th anniversary celebration.
Uhuru visited Uganda on 24 June 2013 and the next week- on 1 July 2013 he visited Burundi.
On 14 July 2013, he attended AU conference in Abuja, Nigeria, and later passed through Kinshasa on his way back.
On 3 August 2013, Mr Kenyatta visited Uganda where he was attending a Heads of State meeting for countries contributing troops to the African peace-keeping mission in Somalia. He also met Raila Odinga during the visit.
Kenyatta visited Russia on 16 August 2013 in an effort to grow new markets for Kenyan produce in Europe. After Russia, he visited China after invitation of H. E. Xi Jinping, with a delegate of 60 businessmen and 5 Governors. On his way back he briefly stopped over in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where the President further discussed on promoting Kenya’s trade agenda.
Other Major Appointees
Francis Kimemia as Secretary to the cabinet
Lawrence Lenayapa as Statehouse Comptroller
Kaplana Rawal as Deputity Chief Justice of Kenya
Manoah Esipisu as secretary of communication and head Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU). He will be assisted by Eric N'Geno, Edward Irungu, Munyoku Boru, James Kinyua, Dennis Itumbi