Kenyan President says to expand road network, better education system in 2016

Kenya will launch various development projects this year as the country seeks to develop and become a middle-income nation.

In his New Year address to the nation, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the government will build 8,000 km of new tarmacked roads in 2016.

"The projects will cover every county of Kenya. The first batch totalling 1,700 kilometers will be launched this January. A second batch of 1,800 kilometers will be launched in March. I appeal to governors to fully support this programme," said Kenyatta.

The country will also review its education system to make it more modern and relevant to the changing development needs of the 21st century.

"We will deliver digital learning devises to our schools this year. We will do a lot more that I do not wish to set out at this moment. Most importantly, we will work together as one people to build a great nation that each one of us will be proud to call home," he said, adding that his government will remain open, democratic, transparent, united and peaceful.

The Kenyan government will also seek to better the lives of citizens and unite the nation.

"We will achieve our dream of happy individuals, strong families, united communities and a successful nation. The transformation will continue with greater momentum. We will keep on delivering on our promise," he said.

Among the country's achievements in 2015, according to the president, is the construction of the standard gauge railway, devolution, rural electrification and increased use of mobile phones, with subscribers standing at 30 million.

"What is normal today, electricity, cell phones, devolution, security system improvement, digital broadcasting, internet, were figments and desires only a few years ago. This is how society evolves and transforms," he said.

He hailed a recent heroic act of Muslims saving the lives of Christians during a terror attack on a bus in Mandera, northern Kenya.

"In this instant, I would like to hail the act of bravery demonstrated by patriotic Kenyans during the recent attack on a bus in Mandera. Through sheer bravery and courage, they were able to save the lives of fellow Kenyans. They truly stood up for Kenya. I salute and congratulate them for their quick and heroic action," Kenyatta said.

Kenya too in 2015 strengthened its relationship with its neighbours in particular Uganda, and across the border the U.S. and China.

"In other continents, Kenya stamped its footprint, making friends and successfully fostering win-win, mutually beneficial interests which rapidly advanced our development agenda," he said. Endit