Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has officially announced a scheduled State of the Nation address by President William Ruto to Parliament this Thursday.
The joint sitting, organized in accordance with the Senate Standing Orders, will take place in the National Assembly’s main chamber.
“Notice is given to senators that pursuant to Article 132 (1) (b) of the Constitution, the president shall address a special sitting of Parliament on Thursday, November 21, 2024,” reads part of a Gazette notice dated November 13.
“Accordingly, pursuant to Standing Order 25 of the Senate Standing Orders, I notify all senators that a special sitting of Parliament shall be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 2:30 pm,” the notice adds.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula had earlier communicated the plan, directing the clerk to gazette the sitting.
“I wish to inform the House that I have received a message from His Excellency the President conveying that he intends to deliver the State of the Nation address to Parliament,” Wetang’ula stated.
This will mark President Ruto’s third address to the nation since he took office. His inaugural address was delivered on September 29, 2022.
Article 132 (1) (b) and (c) of the Constitution requires the President to address the nation annually, reporting on measures taken and progress achieved in realizing national values outlined in Article 10. The President is also obligated to submit a report to the National Assembly on the progress made in fulfilling the Republic’s international obligations.
This year’s address comes just two weeks after the swearing-in of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The President is expected to outline measures taken to bolster national security and advance national values. Additionally, he will highlight his administration’s achievements, such as the rollout and adoption of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which has replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
