Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim has stepped forward to defend President William Ruto’s record of development since he assumed office nearly two years ago. In a recent statement, Maalim claimed that Ruto has outperformed his predecessors, citing significant economic improvements and reforms under his leadership.
Maalim’s endorsement comes at a time when President Ruto’s administration has faced criticism and protests from various quarters. Despite these challenges, Maalim argues that Ruto’s achievements are commendable and deserving of recognition.
“To be fair, the economy is today doing better than it did three years back,” Maalim stated. He pointed to several indicators that he believes underscore Ruto’s success. One of the primary achievements highlighted by the legislator is the performance of the Kenyan Shilling against the US Dollar. Maalim emphasized that the currency has strengthened significantly under Ruto’s leadership, contrasting this with the performance of other nations that have experienced economic setbacks during periods of civil unrest.
Maalim also praised Ruto for managing Kenya’s foreign debt effectively. According to him, the President has taken decisive steps to address the nation’s debt issues by negotiating with international financial institutions. “He has borrowed from the World Bank and the IMF to retire debilitating Chinese loans and Eurobond debt incurred by his predecessor,” Maalim explained. This move, he argues, has alleviated some of the financial pressure on the country and set a course for more sustainable economic management.
The legislator also noted Ruto’s ability to maintain economic stability despite significant anti-government protests in 2023 and 2024. Maalim contrasted Kenya’s situation with that of other countries like Nigeria and Bangladesh, where currencies experienced severe devaluation amid similar unrest. “Both Nigerian and Bangladeshi currencies lost big time after protests,” Maalim remarked, suggesting that Ruto’s administration has managed to navigate these challenges more effectively.
In addition to economic stability, Maalim highlighted other reforms and achievements under Ruto’s leadership. He mentioned substantial reductions in government spending as part of efforts to address public sector wastage. Specific budget cuts were made in the President’s office and the office of the First Lady, which Maalim believes demonstrate a commitment to fiscal discipline.
Moreover, Maalim lauded Ruto’s progress in various sectors. He noted the increased number of Kenyans finding employment abroad as a positive outcome of the administration’s policies. Reforms in the coffee and tea sectors were also highlighted, with Maalim noting significant strides towards enhancing productivity and market access. In the sugar industry, there has been a push towards self-sufficiency, which Maalim believes is a notable achievement.
Despite these positive indicators, Maalim acknowledged that the current administration has faced substantial criticism and protest. He urged critics to give Ruto the space to perform, questioning why similar issues did not provoke the same level of scrutiny and dissent during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure. “One wonders why, under Uhuru, Kenyans didn’t raise the issues they are raising now and protest,” Maalim said.
Overall, Farah Maalim’s defense of President Ruto paints a picture of an administration making notable strides amidst adversity. By focusing on economic stability, debt management, and sectoral reforms, Maalim argues that Ruto’s first two years in office have been marked by significant progress compared to his predecessors. As the nation continues to grapple with various challenges, Maalim’s endorsement serves as a call to recognize and support the President’s achievements.
