Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has announced that President William Ruto will deliver the State of the Nation address to Parliament this Thursday.
The address, scheduled as a joint sitting of both houses, will take place in the National Assembly’s main chamber, as outlined in the Senate standing orders.
“Notice is hereby given to senators that, pursuant to Article 132 (1) (b) of the Constitution, the President will address a special sitting of Parliament on Thursday, November 21, 2024,” reads a Gazette notice dated November 13.
“Accordingly, under Standing Order 25 of the Senate Standing Orders, I notify all senators of the special sitting to be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 2:30 pm.”
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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula had earlier communicated the same, directing the Clerk to gazette the session. “I wish to inform the House that I have received a message from His Excellency the President, indicating his intention to deliver the State of the Nation address to Parliament,” Wetang'ula announced last week.
This will mark President Ruto’s third State of the Nation address since taking office, following his inaugural address on September 29, 2022.
Article 132 (1) (b) and (c) of the Constitution mandates the President to annually report on the measures taken and progress made in realizing the national values outlined in Article 10. He is also required to submit a report to the National Assembly on the fulfillment of Kenya’s international obligations for debate.
This year’s address comes just two weeks after the swearing-in of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. The President is expected to outline key achievements of his administration, including progress in national security, implementation of national values, and the rollout of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
