A section of Kenyans living in the United States has appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to postpone his planned trip to the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The appeal, made in a letter addressed to Mr Kenyatta and signed by the Chairman of Kenyans For Kenya (KFK) US Chapter, Mr Peter Makanga, requests the president to send a representative to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) instead.
The letter, seen by the Sunday Nation, notes that the teachers’ strike is threatening to paralyse the nation and suggests that the president should stay at home to address the issue.
"It would be prudent for you to stay at home and address the teacher’s strike which has paralysed learning in schools across the country," the letter reads in part.
"Whereas we are not apportioning blame, our members feel that the issue is almost getting out of hand and we doubt that you would have any peace of mind while thousands of kilometers away from home at a time when the country needs your indulgence most. We therefore suggest that you send a representative and stay put," the letter adds.
Context of the Appeal ¶
Mr Kenyatta is scheduled to arrive in New York for a series of engagements, including delivering a speech at the 70th gathering of heads of state and government at the assembly of nations.
The appeal comes amidst a nationwide teachers’ strike that has led to the closure of learning institutions across the country. Education Secretary Leah Rotich announced the closure decision, citing the lack of learning in schools since the commencement of the strike.
Technical training colleges and institutes of technology have also been affected, as their lecturers are employees of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and members of the unions.
President Kenyatta’s US Visit ¶
State House officials have confirmed that the president will be accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, among other government officials, during his visit to the US.
He is also scheduled to address Kenyans living in the US on Saturday, September 26, at a New York hotel.
