Uhuru Kenyatta

Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta (born 26 October 1961) is a Kenyan politician who served as the fourth President of Kenya from 2013 to 2022. He is the son of jono Kenyatta, Kenya's founding President and a key figure in the country's independence movement. Uhuru Kenyatta is a member of the Kikuyu ethnic group, the largest in Kenya, and has played a significant role in Kenya politics for several decades. 

Early life and Education 

Uhuru Kenyatta was born in Gatundu, Kiambu Country, Kenya. He is the son of Jomo Kenyatta and Mama Ngina Kenyatta, who was Kenya's First Lady during her husband's presidency. He grew up in a privileged environment, being part of Kenya's most prominent political family. 

Kenyatta attended St. Mary's school in Nairobi, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He later studied economics and political science at Amherst College in aan in the United States. His time abroad helped shape his outlook on governance and development. 

Business Career 

Before entering politics, Uhuru Kenyatta was involved in various ventures. His family owns significant landholdings and businesses in Kenya, including interests in the hospitality and dairy sectors. These business dealings have made the Kenyatta family one of the wealthiest in Kenya. 

Political Career 

Early into Politics 

Uhuru Kenyatta entered politics in the 1990s, with his first significant role being the Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Board in 1999. His entry into politics was supported by then-president Daniel arap Moi, who saw him as a potential successor. In 2001, he was nominated to Parliament and later appointed as Deputy Minister for Tourism and Wildlife. 

2002 Presidential Election

In the lead-up to the 2002 general election, Uhuru was chosen by President Moi as the Kenya African National Union  (KANU) party's presidential candidate, despite his relative inexperience. However, he lost the election to Mwai Kibaki of the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), marking the end of KANU's four-decade dominance in Kenyan politics. 

Ministerial Rules.

Following his defeat in 2002, Kenyatta became the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. In 2007, he joined President Kibaki's administration as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, a position he held until 2012. His tenure as Finance Minister was marked by efforts to reform the country's financial systems and improve economic growth, although he faced challenges related to corruption allegations. 

2013 Presidential Election 

In 2013, Uhuru Kenyatta ran for president under The National Alliance (TNA) party, in a coalition with William Ruto's United Republican Party (URP), forming the Jubilee Alliance. His campaign was highly controversial, as both he and Ruto were facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to their alleged involvement in the 2007-2008 post-election violence. Despite the charges, Kenyatta won the election with 50.07% of the vote, narrowly avoiding a runoff. 

Kenyatta's victory was contested by his main rival, Raila Odinga, but the Supreme Court of Kenya upheld the result, and he was sworn in as President on 9 April 2013.

Presidency (2013-2022)

First Term (2013-2017)

Uhuru Kenyatta's first term was marked by significant infrastructure development, particularly through the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), linking Mombasa and Nairobi. His government also focused on expanding access to electricity, improving healthcare, and advancing devolution as outlined in Kenya's 2010 Constitution. 

However, his administration faced criticism over increasing levels of public debt, corruption scandals, and slow economic growth. Insecurity was another major challenge, especially with the rise of attacks by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, notably the 2013 Westgate Mall attack. 

Second Term (2017-2022)

Kenyatta was re-elected in the 2017 presidential election, but the results were annulled by the Supreme Court due to irregularities. A repeat election was held in October 2017, which Kenyatta won, through it was boycotted by Odinga. His second term saw continued infrastructure development, including road networks, ports, and urban projects. 

Kenyatta's second term also featured his "Big Four Agenda," which focused on manufacturing, affordable housing, universal healthcare, and food security. Despite these initiatives, issues such as corruption, economic inequality, and rising public debt continued to dominate public discourse. 

One of the most significant political moves of his second term was the "Hands" with opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2018. The handshake symbolized a political truce aimed at promoting national unity and peace following the divisive 2017 election. This led to the Building Bridges Invitiate (BBI), a proposal to amend the Constitution to address political and governance issues, through it faced legal setbacks. 

Post-Presidency 

Kenyatta's term ended in 2022, after which William Ruto, his former deputy, succeeded him as President. While Kenyatta had backed Raila Odinga as his preferred successor, Ruto won the election, marking a significant political shift. 

After leaving office, Kenyatta has remained active in regional diplomacy. He was appointed as special peace envoy for the East African Community, tasked with mediating peace talks in conflict-affected regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Personal Life 

Uhuru Kenyatta is married to Margaret Gukuo Kenyatta, and they have three children: Jomo, Jaba, and Ngina. Margaret Kenyatta is known for her philanthropic work, especially through the "Beyond Zero" campaign, which aims to reduce maternal and child mortality rates in Kenya. 

Kenyatta has generally maintained a low profile regarding his private life, although his family's wealth and business interests have attracted public scrutiny. 

Legacy 

Uhuru Kenyatta's legacy is a complex one shaped by both his achievements in infrastructure development and economic reform and Controversies related to corruption, public debt, and the challenges of governance. His role in fostering peace and unity, particularly through the handshake with Odinga, and his contribution to regional diplomacy, remain notable aspects of his political career.