Editor's Review

  • President Uhuru is scheduled to address the state of the nation on 12 November
  • Key among those issues expected are BBI Report and Covid-19

Days after launching the Building Bridges Initiative report, President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to deliver the state of the nation address during a joint parliamentary sitting on November 12.

Speaker Justin Muturi confirmed the dates of the meeting that comes amid rising polititical temperatures generated by the BBI report.

Pressure has been mounting on President Uhuru Kenyatta to deliver this year’s State of the Nation Address which is expected to address a number of challenges facing the country, key among them being Covid-19 pandemic and the BBI report.

The President has in the past given the address between March and May. However, this has not happened this year so far due to the Covid-19 crisis

Standing Order 22 of the National Assembly says the President shall address Parliament once every year.

Article 132 of the Constitution obligates the President to address a joint sitting of the Houses on a matter that touches on national values.

Deputy President Ruto allies have been mounting pressure on the head of state concerning the recovery of the economy since Covid-19 cases were reported in Kenya in March.

Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wa said it was prudent for Kenyans to know government plans for sustainable development owing to the devastating effects of coronavirus.

“We are eager to listen and hear what President Kenyatta has in terms of realigning his agenda and priority of the nation in line with ensuring sustainable development and economic recovery,” the MP said.