President William Ruto on Thursday reassured Kenyans of his administration’s commitment to delivering equitable services to citizens across all regions, regardless of their voting choices in the 2022 general election.
Addressing the nation during the swearing-in of his new Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki, Ruto emphasized that all political leaders must serve their people impartially and without prejudice.
Praising Professor Kindiki, whom he affectionately nicknamed “Abra K” – short for Abraham Kithure Kindiki and in reference to the Kenya Kwanza (KK) alliance – Ruto expressed confidence in his deputy’s dedication to serving Kenyans. “I know my younger brother, Abra K, will help me ensure efficient service delivery to millions of Kenyans, I have missed service for the last two years” he stated, underscoring the unity and shared mission within his administration.
Ruto acknowledged that political leaders, from Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to Members of Parliament (MPs) and governors, were elected to represent their regions but are obliged to serve everyone, regardless of who voted for them.
In his remarks, President Ruto emphasized that unity is vital for progress, declaring, “We are going to serve all Kenyans equally despite their voting status in the 2022 general election. From all regions, valleys, and mountains, we are all Kenyans, standing here today as one peaceful nation.” He stressed that the offices held by leaders are subordinate to the people they serve and that his administration is dedicated to working under the provisions of the Kenyan constitution.
President Ruto highlighted several achievements of his government in economic growth and social development. According to Ruto, Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has shown notable growth, and the country has experienced a 2.7 percent drop in inflation compared to the previous quarter. He attributed this progress to policies aimed at transforming the economy and improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
Education was also a key focus of Ruto’s speech. He praised the new university funding model, which he said was designed to ensure that all Kenyan students have access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. “We have transformed our education system to make it inclusive for all Kenyans, regardless of their background,” he noted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to educational equality.
Turning to infrastructure and social programs, Ruto spoke on housing initiatives that aim to provide affordable housing options for lower-income citizens. He mentioned the “mama mboga” (market vendor) initiative, which allows vendors to pay an annual fee of 3,000 Ksh for access to affordable housing.
Additionally, the President announced that the KK government’s rural electrification program has successfully connected over 3,000 Kenyan households to the national grid.
On environmental matters, Ruto shared plans to revitalize Nairobi River, revealing a program designed to encourage private sector involvement in restoring the waterway. He also emphasized the government’s commitment to security and justice, urging the judiciary, along with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Inspector General’s Office, to ensure public resources are protected and public safety maintained.
Addressing recent security concerns, Ruto condemned a spate of violent incidents in which 97 women were reportedly killed over the past three months. He called on security agencies to investigate these cases thoroughly, vowing that his government would prioritize the safety of all citizens.
Ruto highlighted Kenya Power’s return to profitability under his administration, a sign, he said, of the government’s dedication to economic transformation. “Failure is not an option,” he stated, underscoring the administration’s resolve to improve living standards and foster national unity.