Schools to teach coding by next year, says Ruto

The Head of State noted that whether one is a software developer, a customer success manager, a designer, a marketer, all these careers require technical skills.

He made the remarks at KICC on Sunday during the Jamhuri Tech and Innovation Summit.

And today Ruto will address his first Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, where he is expected to promote technological innovations.

Kenya Kwanza administration has rolled out activities aimed at attracting tech-savvy youths to attend the event themed "Connect, Innovate and Inspire," which will have several exhibition programmes, including the presidential launch of the innovation outlook for Kenya at the Sarit Centre Expo in Nairobi.

"We are developing relevant policies that will nurture and stimulate innovation in Kenya, this is in appreciation that innovation has the power to accelerate productivity, generate gainful employment and create wealth for millions of ordinary people," said Ruto.

The president's office on Friday issued a statement indicating the national celebrations henceforth have themes.

There were high-level discussions on Saturday and Sunday with different innovators.

The innovators participated in exhibitions held on Tuesday to Thursday last week as a curtain raiser to the celebrations to mark 59 years of independence.

Global technology leaders from various companies joined President Ruto in discussing partnerships and opportunities for Kenyans before meeting various innovators at KICC, Nairobi, for further engagement on relevant issues concerning the sector.

"National celebrations will be associated with a particular theme going forward so that Kenyans have a particular subject in mind as they mark the important celebrations that remind citizens where they have come from, where they are and where they are going," said Ruto.

The president addressed his first national celebrations on Mashujaa Day at Uhuru Gardens on October 20. Jamhuri Day which is the last national celebration marks the day the country attained independence from the British.

During the national celebrations, Kenya Defence Forces display a military parade, military helicopters fly past and there is entertainment by various artistes.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga had initially planned to hold a parallel event at Jacaranda grounds but called it off, saying he would be in the US for crucial engagements.

Speaking at Nyayo National Stadium after assessing preparations for the celebrations, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said Kenyans should expect a shift.

"This event will be slightly different from the previous ones," he said.

The new activities lined up include a 4 by 100m relay that will see MPs, artistes and professional athletes, including Ferdinand Omanyala, compete.

There will also be cultural dances and music by choirs.

About 20,000 people are expected at the event which will be held at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Omollo further said all leaders have been invited to the fete.

"We have invited Kenyans of all walks of life, including leaders in government and in opposition," said Omollo.

The celebrations are expected to end by 1pm.