Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had a busy week that was marred with strong remarks against the media and push for what he termed as accountability of the press.
On Friday, the DP graced the 40th graduation ceremony of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Technology where he told the graduating class that the government has no direct jobs for them.
''I challenge the graduating class to take up research and innovation geared towards the creation of employment and alleviating poverty,'' Gachagua said.
He insisted that the media must be held to account and backed Moses Kuria on his attacks in the press saying "the media must be held accountable".
On Thursday, Gachagua opened a forum for the Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis at the Pwani University and said the agency's work has a bearing in shaping sustainable development of Arid and Semi-arid Lands.
''For this to happen, sound research-based policy frameworks are key enablers to support and sustain resilience of the communities in ASALs,'' he said.
The DP flew to President William Ruto's Rift Valley backyard where he launched development projects in Elgeyo Marakwet.
"The launch of development projects in Iten, Keiyo North Constituency on Friday is part of our commitment to deliver the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda," Gachagua said.
The launch of development projects in Iten, Keiyo North Constituency on Friday is part of our commitment to deliver the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Early on the same day, Gachagua officially flagged off the 70th Safari Rally Edition at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.
''It is always exciting to watch the Rally and identify with the Kenyan sporting spirit,'' he said.
Gachagua also addressed the nation, announcing release of Sh16.73 billion for payment to more than one million beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii programme.
He said the funds will be credited to the accounts of 1,072,226 Inua Jamii beneficiaries with each receiving Sh16,000 for four payment cycles.
On Wednesday, Gachagua held a follow-up briefing with the Coffee Reforms Steering Committee at the Karen official residence.
''I urged the committee to quickly fast-track the consolidation of the Conference resolutions for easier implementation,'' he said.
This was a follow-up to his Coffee Reforms Conference in Meru held from 8th -10th June, 2023.
On the same day, Gachagua held deliberations with members of Constitutional Commissions and Independent offices at the Official Residence in Karen.
He said the government respects the independence of these critical agencies and will not interfere with their operations and independence.
On Monday, Gachagua was in Mombasa where he attended the Kenya Water and Sanitation International Conference and Exhibition in Mombasa.
He said the forum offered stakeholders a forum to assess existing capacity in doubling the current connectivity to safe and clean water from Sh3 million in the next five years.
''From the exhibition, it is evident that we have sufficient technologies for integration into our plans of ensuring our people have ample, clean and safe water,'' he said.
He had earlier joined President Ruto at a meeting at State House with a delegation from the European Union where they signed a key partnership agreement that has eluded the country for decades.
On June 17, Gachagua joined Ruto in a tour of Kiambu and stormed Githunguri constituency of their latest critic Gathoni Wamchomba
They interacted with farmers during the Githunguri Dairy Cooperative Society field day.
"With over 27,000 members, Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society has consistently registered success, processing over 7.5M litres of milk annually,'' Gachagua said.
On June 18, Gachagua was missing in action in Ruto's thanksgiving service in Kakamega county.
The president was however accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other top government officials.