Concern Over Missing Uhuru Details on Presidential Website

Concerns have been raised over missing content and details of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ten years tenure on the official presidential website.

The website had all his press releases, Executive Orders, directives, intervention measures and other government details.

Besides videos, photographs and digital content, details of key State House staff, development projects and an extension of former First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta’s, work were captured on the website. 

The information, however, disappeared immediately after President William Ruto ascended to power, raising doubts on whether it was deleted or archived. 

Screenshot of the presidential website under President William Ruto.

Presidency

However, Presidential Library, Museum and Exhibition dispelled reports alleging that Uhuru’s details were deleted.

Instead, it noted that the information was archived on the Presidential Library website.

The archiving of Uhuru’s ten-year tenure content allows the official presidential website to be used to document Ruto’s speeches, plans, directives, Executive Orders and other multimedia content.

At the moment, the official presidential website has a yellow background which represents Ruto’s Standard and his official portrait photo in 3 Dimension. Uhuru adopted the colour blue during his tenure. 

Presidential Library Website

The website forms part of historical items stored in remembrance of Kenya’s heads of state. It stores information and content regarding all presidents starting from the country’s first head of state, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. 

Other than the National Archives located in Nairobi Central, the website preserves and provides access to historical materials, supports research, creates interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire readers. 

The official social media sites and websites release videos and information on different dates to celebrate historical events and milestones. 

For instance, when Queen Elizabeth passed on, the Presidential Library, Museum and Exhibition released photos of the late President Jomo Kenyatta receiving her in Kenya. 

The idea was reportedly borrowed from the US. However, unlike in Kenya, where the information is stored on a website, the US have libraries honouring its presidents.

In Kenya, plans to establish a Presidential Library, Museum and Exhibition Centre were unveiled in March 2018. The library was then renamed the Office of Presidential Libraries and Archives (OPLA). 

However, the project stalled, forcing Kenyans to access presidential content on newspapers, online platforms and other sources.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta handing over a sword to President William Ruto on September 13, 2022.

Kenyans.co.ke