NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has dismissed claims that his administration has been idle in addressing Kenya’s economic challenges, emphasizing ongoing efforts to ease the burdens facing millions of Kenyans.
“We have not been watching helplessly and doing nothing as adversity took a toll on the economy and undermined the livelihood and well-being of the people,” President Ruto stated during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.
The President highlighted measures undertaken by his government to counter the economic strain, including interventions in housing, education, healthcare, and digitization of government services.
While acknowledging that the country is not yet where it needs to be, Ruto assured Kenyans that progress is being made.
“Two and a half years ago, the cost of living was too high, and basic commodities were beyond the reach of many Kenyans. While we are not where we would like to be, we are certainly not where we were,” he said.
Ruto admitted that many Kenyans are frustrated by persistent economic hardships, noting the daily struggles to meet basic needs. However, he attributed these difficulties to broader challenges, including global financial volatility, climate change, and local security issues, which his administration inherited.
“We assumed office at an extremely difficult time, characterized by domestic and international challenges. Nevertheless, we are working tirelessly to steer the country from the brink of economic collapse to a more promising trajectory,” he added.
In his address, Ruto pointed to progress in key sectors, such as the Affordable Housing project, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and education reforms.
The digitization of government services and security sector reforms also featured prominently as areas where the government claims significant strides have been made.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced that lawmakers will begin debating the President’s address on Monday afternoon, providing a platform for Parliament to scrutinize the administration’s efforts.
The speech comes amid growing impatience from the public, with many questioning when promised jobs and tangible economic relief will materialize.
Ruto urged patience, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to sustainable economic recovery.
“Times are hard, and the frustration is understandable. However, we remain resolute in our mission to turn things around for all Kenyans,” Ruto concluded.
“We have not been watching helplessly and doing nothing as adversity took a toll on the economy and undermined the livelihood and well-being of the people,” President Ruto stated during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.
The President highlighted measures undertaken by his government to counter the economic strain, including interventions in housing, education, healthcare, and digitization of government services.
While acknowledging that the country is not yet where it needs to be, Ruto assured Kenyans that progress is being made.
“Two and a half years ago, the cost of living was too high, and basic commodities were beyond the reach of many Kenyans. While we are not where we would like to be, we are certainly not where we were,” he said.
Ruto admitted that many Kenyans are frustrated by persistent economic hardships, noting the daily struggles to meet basic needs. However, he attributed these difficulties to broader challenges, including global financial volatility, climate change, and local security issues, which his administration inherited.
“We assumed office at an extremely difficult time, characterized by domestic and international challenges. Nevertheless, we are working tirelessly to steer the country from the brink of economic collapse to a more promising trajectory,” he added.
In his address, Ruto pointed to progress in key sectors, such as the Affordable Housing project, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and education reforms.
The digitization of government services and security sector reforms also featured prominently as areas where the government claims significant strides have been made.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced that lawmakers will begin debating the President’s address on Monday afternoon, providing a platform for Parliament to scrutinize the administration’s efforts.
The speech comes amid growing impatience from the public, with many questioning when promised jobs and tangible economic relief will materialize.
Ruto urged patience, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to sustainable economic recovery.
“Times are hard, and the frustration is understandable. However, we remain resolute in our mission to turn things around for all Kenyans,” Ruto concluded.
