NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has urged Kenya’s chiefs and assistant chiefs to play a central role in maintaining security and advancing the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The President spoke during a meeting with the officers at Embakasi Training College, Nairobi, on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Addressing the officials, President Ruto emphasized the critical position they hold as the bridge between the state and citizens, particularly in remote areas.
“You are the first responders when crises strike and the daily visible face of government to millions of Kenyans,” he said.
We are professionalising the public sector, making it more efficient and effective, to enhance the delivery of services to Kenyans.The training of close to 6,000 chiefs and assistant chiefs – our frontline officers at the grassroots – will strengthen their operations and
The President highlighted the Jukwaa la Usalama Report, which captures citizens’ concerns on security, governance, and community well-being.
He commended the Interior Ministry for nationwide consultations that informed the report, stressing that the recommendations must translate into action at the local level.
Ruto noted that Kenya continues to enjoy relative security, but warned of emerging threats, including community-level conflicts, sporadic crime driven by socioeconomic pressures, technological criminal tactics, and humanitarian challenges such as drought and displacement.
He urged chiefs to ensure proactive leadership, accurate intelligence, and coordinated responses alongside citizens.
The President linked national security directly to economic growth, emphasizing that a stable environment allows farmers to transport goods safely, traders to operate without disruption, youth to pursue opportunities, and infrastructure projects to proceed uninterrupted.
Police officers go out of their way to protect Kenyans and their property.We will ensure they live and work in a decent environment to keep our country safe and secure.Commissioned the National Police College Embakasi ‘A’ Campus Housing Units, Nairobi County.
Economic Agenda at the Grassroots
Ruto detailed the progress of the government’s flagship programs, including:
• Agriculture: Over 7.1 million farmers registered under the Fertiliser Subsidy Programme; expanded access to inputs, training, irrigation, and market linkages.
• MSMEs: Expansion of financing platforms such as the Hustler Fund, NYOTA, and the Affirmative Action Fund; 12,155 youth have already received over Sh 303 million in support through NYOTA.
• Digital Services: Over 27,000 public services now available digitally, with plans to expand connectivity and establish Jitume Labs in all wards.
• Housing and Infrastructure: Affordable housing projects in urban and peri-urban areas, alongside upgraded roads, electricity, water, and job creation for youth.
• Health and Education: Strengthened primary health networks, expanded insurance coverage, improved medical supply chains, and initiatives to ensure 100% transition in schools.
The President called on chiefs to educate themselves on government programs, mobilize communities, support fair distribution of resources, and ensure that citizens benefit from these initiatives.
“Your leadership at the grassroots is fundamental to the success of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the future of our nation,” Ruto said. “Together, let us build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Kenya.”
