President William Ruto has implored Kenyan leaders to move beyond divisive politics and concentrate on policies that enhance livelihoods. He asserts that economic transformation, rather than political rhetoric, will lower the cost of living and accelerate the nation’s development.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, while hosting private security guards, the President lamented that the country has dedicated excessive time to politics at the expense of substantive discussions on economic growth, job creation, and national development.
He says he anticipates next week’s launch of national conversation on Kenya’s future, describing it as a platform for citizens to deliberate on the country’s economic priorities and long-term development agenda.
“Wiki ijayo tunaanza mjadala ya Wakenya, kuzungumzia uchumi na maendeleo. Tumezungumza siasa miaka nyingi. Lakini siasa haiwezi kupunguza gharama ya maisha. Ni uchumi na maendeleo zitafanya Kenya iwe nchi ambayo tunajivunia.” He said
Ruto emphasised that this dialogue would offer Kenyans an opportunity to collectively determine how the country can expand its economy, create employment, and improve living standards.
“Tuwe na mjadala, tukubaliane, hii Kenya maendeleo itapatikana vipi, na uchumi tutaikuza vipi. Tukikuza uchumi, na kuendesha maendeleo, nafasi za ajira zitapatikana, gharama ya maisha itashuka.” he remarked.
The President expressed confidence in Kenya’s potential to join the ranks of high-income, developed nations, provided leaders remain focused on long-term development rather than political contests.
Ruto also challenged his political opponents to articulate alternative policies instead of, what he termed, engaging in insults and political slogans.
He maintained that leadership should be judged by practical solutions to challenges facing ordinary citizens, including unemployment, food security, and the rising cost of living.
“Wale wanajaribu kushindana na mimi… watueleze agenda yao, sera yao, na mipango yao ni gani. Wasitupigie makelele tu.” He said
The President further criticised the opposition for attacking government programmes without presenting credible alternatives.
“Mimi nimesema njia ya kuteremusha gharama ya chakula ni kupunguza gharama ya mbegu, kupunguza gharama ya mbolea, kuinua kilimo… Mpango yao ni gani?”
The President defended his administration’s record, citing employment opportunities created through the Affordable Housing Programme, digital jobs, and overseas labour initiatives as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods.
“Mimi nimeweka mpango wa ajira Kenya. Pale affordable housing, nimetengeneza nafasi za kazi 800,000, digital jobs 300,000, overseas employment, nimetengeneza nafasi za ajira 580,000. Hao wanaojaribu kushindana na mimi, watatengeneza nafasi za ajira kutoka wapi?” he questioned.
Ruto outlined his administration’s strategy to reduce the cost of living, which includes lowering the prices of farm inputs, boosting agricultural production, and expanding access to affordable healthcare through the Social Health Authority.
Ruto also defended his decision to regularly host ordinary Kenyans at State House, dismissing criticism that it diminishes the stature of the Presidency.
“Pale nyuma, kuna watu walikuwa wananieleza eti nimeshukisha heshima ya State House kwa kuwakaribisha watu wasio na vyeo kubwa kubwa. Lakini mimi nimewajibu, nikawaambia, sio heshima ya State House imeshuka, ni heshima ya wananchi imepanda.” he explained.
He said State House belongs to all Kenyans, regardless of their social or professional status.
