Maziwa ya Nyayo: Four things Moi will be remembered for

Kenyans are in mourning following the death of former President Daniel arap Moi on Tuesday at the Nairobi Hospital.

Speaking during a press, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi said that Kenya’s longest-serving president passed away at 5:20 am.

“Mzee passed away peacefully. I was by his side. As a family, we accept,” Senator Moi said.

While most young Kenyans might not fully appreciate his long journey to power, those who witnessed his 24-year rule have a lot to remember the former teacher for.

Here are five things he will be remembered for:

Maziwa ya Nyayo

After being sworn in as President in 1978 following the death of founding President Jomo Kenyatta on August 20, retired president Moi sought to increase the enrolment in primary schools across the country.

He introduced the free school milk programme commonly known as maziwa ya Nyayo and within a year, school enrolment rose from 2,994,991 in 1978 to 3,698,216 in 1979.

The programme made its way into children’s songs and endeared President Moi to the children, their parents and teachers.

The demand for milk also saw farmers being encouraged to increase their milk production to meet the increased demand. The programme was in place for 20 years and is said to have benefitted at least a quarter of Kenya’s population.

Forming KNUT

Moi’s life as a teacher was abruptly interrupted in 1954 following the resignation of John ole Tameno, the Rift Valley representative in the colonial parliament, the Legislative Council (Legco).

Moses Mudavadi, the father of ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi who was a colonial-era school inspector convinced Moi to quit his job as the headteacher of Kabarnet Intermediate School.

In 1955, Moi beat eight nominees and was one of the four African members of the Legco.

He demanded African teachers be allowed to form their own association and as a result, Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) was formed in 1957.

Enthusiasm for sports

In his youth, retired President Daniel Arap Moi was a footballer and an avid fan of Kenyan football.

Moi would often surprise football fans by arriving unannounced at various stadia during his presidency.

Fans would cross their fingers hoping for Moi to show up at football games as he would often ask the organizers to open the gets and allow everyone in for free.

Long-rumoured to have a soft-spot for Gor Mahia, Moi often bailed out the club financially through donations sent via former powerful Internal Security PS Hezekiah Oyugi.

When Kenya hosted the 1987 All Africa Games, Moi was a common feature at Kasarani rallying the country behind Harambee Stars.

Rolling out 8-4-4

Moi is also credited for introducing the 8-4-4 education system which most Kenyans went through.

When Moi rolled out 8-4-4, the emphasis was on practical and vocational training. 8-4-4 has since replaced with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The basis for the current expansion of universities was also established during this period to meet the educational needs of the rapidly growing population.

Moi will also be remembered for being accepting defeat and peacefully handing over power to Mwai Kibaki in 2002, setting an example for presidents across Africa.

“The people of Kenya have spoken, let me acknowledge Kanu’s defeat. You have exercised your democratic right,” a humble Moi told millions of Kenyans during the December 30, 2002 ceremony.

Rest in peace Mzee.

Additional reporting from The Nairobian.