President William Ruto has signaled his commitment to an expanded and inclusive government, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation across political divides. Speaking during this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, Ruto underscored the need to transcend political rivalry and focus on national interests, ensuring all voices are represented in shaping Kenya’s future.
The President affirmed his dedication to fostering inclusivity, stating, “I will continue to reach out to Kenyans of all walks of life, regardless of their ideological persuasion, to maximise the cross-pollination of the flower of our Republic.” He called for the articulation of diverse viewpoints, recognizing that collective engagement is vital for progress.
This declaration comes shortly after his visit to former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Ichaweri, Gatundu, a meeting that fueled speculation about incorporating allies of the former President into government. This follows an earlier move to co-opt opposition leaders, including his 2022 presidential rival Raila Odinga, into a broad-based government aimed at addressing national challenges.
Ruto credited the cooperation with opposition leaders for facilitating solutions to issues such as inclusivity, stating, “I am grateful to distinguished patriots…for the spirit of goodwill in which we have engaged to address critical national issues.” His Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, echoed similar sentiments, praising Ruto for uniting leaders across the political spectrum to pursue shared goals for Kenya’s development.
Defending His Administration
Amid ongoing criticism, President Ruto defended his administration’s performance, dismissing allegations of unfulfilled promises. He asserted that significant progress has been made in stabilizing the economy and improving living standards.
“When we say that the cost of basic food commodities has come down, it is a fact. When we say that inflation has gone down, it is a fact,” Ruto said. He urged critics to engage constructively, cautioning against misinformation that undermines national unity and progress.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Ruto pointed to the transformative impact of the fertiliser subsidy, the Taifa Care universal healthcare programme, and job creation initiatives. More than 243,000 Kenyans have secured international job placements since September 2022, and 200,000 others have been employed in the affordable housing programme. Additionally, 107,000 community health promoters are now active under universal healthcare coverage.
The President also addressed concerns about the new Taifa Care system, which has transitioned 5.6 million Kenyans from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and registered 11 million beneficiaries. While some counties, including Marsabit and Turkana, lag in registration, others like Kirinyaga and Nyeri lead the charge.
Educational Reforms and Employment
Ruto highlighted strides in education, with 56,000 teachers hired in the past two years to address the student-teacher ratio, a move aimed at enhancing learning outcomes. He also outlined plans to create a robust labor market that aligns with the output of educational and training institutions.
The President expressed confidence in his government’s trajectory, emphasizing that laying the groundwork now will empower citizens to seize future opportunities.
A Call for Constructive Engagement
Ruto implored Kenyans to participate meaningfully in democratic discourse, warning against negativity and falsehoods that jeopardize the nation’s development. “Let us engage on the basis of truth,” he urged, cautioning that political expediency driven by misinformation could derail Kenya’s progress.
As Ruto charts a path toward inclusivity and expanded governance, the emphasis remains on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to national development. The President’s vision of a united Kenya, bolstered by transformative initiatives, offers hope for a brighter future. However, delivering on these ambitious promises will require consistent engagement and measurable outcomes to satisfy critics and citizens alike.
