President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered a speech during Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum, framing his final term as a critical phase for Kenya's development. The address, given ahead of the August 9, 2022 general elections, marked the conclusion of his second and final term in office.
Reflecting on his administration's work since 2013, Kenyatta highlighted infrastructure projects and political stability achieved through the 2017 handshake agreement. He asserted that his government had created a foundation for future leadership, stating, "The Fourth Administration... has laid the foundation upon which the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and all future administrations can build." The president urged voters to prioritize peace in the upcoming election, warning against division and instability.
He defended his record against critics, claiming, "I have built more roads than any other regimes combined," while acknowledging challenges such as droughts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising living costs. Kenyatta also addressed social issues, citing a 38.2% increase in single-parent households between 2009 and 2019 as a threat to Kenya's moral fabric. He called on his successor to tackle unemployment, insecurity, and family instability, emphasizing the need for sustained progress.