The United Democratic Alliance has issued an open letter to former President Uhuru Kenyatta defending the record of President William Ruto’s administration and outlining what it described as progress made in key sectors since the 2022 General Election.
In the statement dated May 26 and signed by UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, the ruling party responded to recent public remarks by Uhuru and urged the former Head of State to support ongoing national development efforts.
The party said the Kenya Kwanza administration inherited economic difficulties after taking office and had since introduced measures aimed at stabilising the economy and reducing pressure on households.
UDA stated that inflation had eased in recent months and investor confidence was gradually improving under the current administration.
The letter described the government’s economic agenda as focused on recovery, fiscal discipline and long-term growth.
According to the party, the administration had implemented policies intended to strengthen public finances while supporting ordinary Kenyans through reforms in agriculture, housing, healthcare and education.
On agriculture, UDA said the government had introduced fertiliser subsidies that helped lower production costs for farmers and increase food production.
The party added that maize output had improved while the price of unga had reduced compared to earlier periods of high food prices.
The statement also highlighted reforms in the coffee and sugar sectors, saying some farmers were earning improved returns and several sugar factories had resumed operations following government intervention.
UDA said the administration remained committed to strengthening food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
In healthcare, the party defended the introduction of the Social Health Authority, saying it was part of efforts to improve access to medical services and expand universal healthcare coverage.
The statement said the new framework had increased support to hospitals and health facilities across the country.
UDA further criticised the former National Health Insurance Fund, saying the current administration inherited challenges in the health sector that required urgent reforms.
The party said the new health financing model was intended to improve service delivery and restore confidence in public healthcare systems.
The ruling party also highlighted reforms in the education sector, including the continued implementation of the Competency-Based Education and Training model.
According to the statement, the government had employed more than 100,000 teachers since President Ruto took office, with plans for further recruitment this year.
The letter added that the administration was investing in technical training institutions and university accommodation projects as part of efforts to improve access to education and skills development opportunities for young people.
On housing, UDA said the Affordable Housing Programme had expanded in several counties, with thousands of housing units under construction.
The party cited projects in Kiambu County, including developments in Gatundu and student housing linked to institutions of higher learning.
The statement also pointed to infrastructure projects that the party said were either ongoing or planned under the current administration.
These included the Mau Summit Road project, Talanta City and stadium construction projects in different parts of the country. UDA further defended the planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, saying the project was aimed at improving trade, investment and regional connectivity.
In the energy sector, the party said the government was pursuing renewable energy projects, electric mobility initiatives and regional oil infrastructure investments as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuel.
The ruling party also addressed political tensions surrounding the current administration, saying recent criticism directed at President Ruto’s government did not reflect the progress it believed had been made since 2022.
UDA maintained that the administration remained focused on implementing its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda despite political opposition and public debate over some government policies.
The letter urged leaders to prioritise national unity and support development programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of citizens.
“It is time you stepped up and conducted yourself like a former Head of State, like the Statesman Kenya expects you to be,” the statement said.
UDA said the country’s focus should remain on economic recovery, development and improving service delivery to citizens.
