NAIROBI, Kenya -President William Ruto has dismissed threats aimed at cutting short his presidency as “empty political rhetoric,” vowing to stay focused on his transformation agenda.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Saturday during the Nairobi County Empowerment Programme, Ruto told a crowd of over 15,000 young people that he would not be swayed by talk of serving only one term.
“We will not succumb to the blackmail of one term. We know where we are going as a nation,” he said. “We are transforming healthcare so that ordinary citizens can access treatment under the Social Health Authority programme.”
Ruto outlined plans to revamp agriculture, improve education, foster an inclusive economy, and strengthen healthcare.
He accused his political rivals of lacking a clear vision for the country, insisting that his broad-based government approach is the best path forward.
The President also announced that from next month, youths across the country will benefit from a Sh5 billion World Bank-backed empowerment programme.
Under the plan, 70 entrepreneurs in every ward—most of them young people—will each receive Sh50,000 to start or expand businesses. The initiative targets 100,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
During the event, youth groups received motorbikes, car wash machines, and portable concrete mixers to kick-start income-generating ventures.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and other city leaders attended the event.
