Senate Speaker Amason Kingi
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Parliament has received formal notification of President William Ruto's upcoming State of the Nation address, scheduled for Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has issued the announcement through a Gazette notice dated November 13, confirming that the joint parliamentary sitting will convene in the National Assembly's main chamber at 2:30 pm. The presidential address was initially signaled by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, who informed the House of the President's communicated intention. The notification aligns with constitutional requirements under Article 132 (1) (b), which mandates the President's address to Parliament.
"Once every year, the President is expected to report, in an address to the nation, on all the measures taken and the progress achieved in the realization of the national values, referred to in Article 10 and submit a report for debate to the National Assembly on the progress made in fulfilling the international obligations of the Republic." Article 132 (1) (b) and (c) dictates.
This forthcoming address marks President Ruto's third such presentation since taking office following his inaugural address on September 29, 2022. The constitutional framework requires the President to provide an annual report detailing progress in advancing national values and fulfilling international obligations, with these reports subsequently submitted for parliamentary debate. The timing of this year's address is particularly significant, coming in the wake of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's swearing-in ceremony. President Ruto is anticipated to focus on several key areas, including national security enhancement measures and the administration's commitment to upholding national values.
A central component of the address is expected to be the government's recent implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which has superseded the previous National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The State of the Nation address serves as a crucial platform for governmental accountability and transparency. It also provides an opportunity for the President to present a comprehensive overview of his administration's accomplishments while outlining strategic initiatives for Kenya's future development.