Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed that the Kenya Kwanza administration is prepared to face the consequences of its tough policy decisions, stating that transformation often comes at a cost. Speaking in Windhoek, Namibia, during a meeting with Kenyan representatives in the diaspora, Kindiki maintained that President William Ruto’s government is committed to implementing strategic reforms aimed at revitalizing the country’s economy.
According to Kindiki, the government has set its sights on streamlining key economic sectors such as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Mining. Despite the widespread criticism that has followed some of these interventions, he insisted that they are necessary for long-term prosperity.
“Those are the sectors we are transforming to bring more money to the pockets of Kenyans again through difficult, painful, and unpopular decisions,” said Kindiki. “We are slowly heading there and we are prepared for the repercussions because transformation is costly. As long as President Ruto is in office, he must do whatever it takes to do the heavy lifting for the country.”
The Deputy President also acknowledged that while the government’s policies may not be perfect, they are backed by a clear vision for national progress. He urged critics to offer constructive alternatives rather than resorting to unproductive opposition.
“We may not have perfect ideas, but we have an idea of what needs to be done to take the country forward. We welcome those with contrary views to provide alternative policy positions,” he stated. “We must stop trivializing national discourse into tribal and minor issues. A mature democracy thrives on policy discussions, not divisive rhetoric.”
Kindiki further emphasized that the government is taking substantial steps to improve the quality of life for all Kenyans, including those in the diaspora. He praised Kenyans living abroad for their significant contributions to the country’s economy, noting that remittances have now surpassed traditional foreign exchange earners such as tea, tourism, and horticulture.
“Remittances are now approaching Ksh.500 billion, and our target in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto is to reach Ksh.1 trillion,” he noted.
The Deputy President assured Kenyans in Namibia that the government is working to enhance bilateral relations to create more opportunities for them. He urged them to rally behind President Ruto’s vision, emphasizing that all concerns raised by the diaspora community would be addressed promptly.
“We have a manifesto on which we were elected. Our policies are not arbitrary; they are guided by a clear strategy for national development,” he concluded.
