Ruto hints at expanded government, slams critics

President William Ruto has hinted at a more inclusive government even as he cautioned against reckless negativity discrediting his administration.

Speaking when he led the nation in celebrating this year’s Jamhuri Day, the head of state said he will continue reaching out to all Kenyans in the spirit of national unity.

Ruto said political competition and rivalry should never be allowed to block national interests.

“I will continue to reach out to Kenyans of all walks of life, regardless of their ideological persuasion, to maximise the cross-pollination of the flower of our Republic and guarantee robust seeds for future seasons,” Ruto said.

“We must promote inclusion and broaden our platform for collective engagement to allow articulation of diverse viewpoints and the expression of fresh, new and bold approaches,” the President said.

“We must remember that whatever else sets us apart, we are united by a desire to achieve the best for Kenya and its people.”

Ruto’s sentiments come just days after paying a courtesy call on former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Ichaweri, Gatundu – a visit that triggered talk of possible inclusion of Uhuru’s men in government.

This followed the closing of ranks with his 2022 main challenger Raila Odinga, which birthed the broad-based government where opposition leaders were co-opted into the Cabinet and other positions.

In apparent reference to his rapprochement with Raila, Ruto admitted the cooperation has been instrumental in addressing some of the country’s challenges.

“I am grateful to distinguished patriots who have demonstrated outstanding leadership across the political aisle for the spirit of goodwill in which we have engaged to address critical national issues, including resolving the inclusivity challenge by formulating a broad based government.

“I also appreciate the good wishes, encouragement and support from leaders with whom I continue to discuss matters of importance to our nation. I am persuaded that together we can achieve much more and much sooner for Kenya and that the future of our dreams is now within sight.”

Speaking at the same function, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki lauded Ruto for reaching out to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The DP said the country’s progress will be faster as all Kenyans will be focused on the same goal.

“We applaud you for reaching out to the former Prime Minister for the establishment of the broad-based government, and we thank you for reaching out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and making sure that going forward, all of us, every stakeholder, is on the table as we decide the destiny of our country and as we lift the weights that we must lift in honour of the previous generations and in honour of the generations to come,” Kindiki said.

The President at the same time defended his administration from claims of not delivering to Kenyans, saying most criticisms are outright misinformation.

He said his Kenya Kwanza administration is being discredited unfairly at a time there are indications the economy looks good.

Citing the strategies his administration has put in place, the President noted the country has made huge progress and it is just a matter of time before he is vindicated.

“When we say that the cost of basic food commodities has come down, it is a fact. When we say that inflation has gone down, it is a fact. When we say that our farmers are producing more and better, it is a fact, and when we say that Kenyans who have registered for Taifa Care are receiving better services than before, it is a fact,” the President said.

“We have moved beyond pledges and commitments and are now making progress with our implementation strategies.”

He implored critics to engage in meaningful criticism based on facts even as they challenge policies and projects undertaken by his administration.

The head of state reminded Kenyans that the country’s democratic achievements and development agenda are at stake with continuous criticism that is based on falsehoods.

“I therefore urge all Kenyans to participate fully in our democratic discourse, even as we work hard in nation-building. At all times, let us endeavour to engage on the basis of truth,” he said.

“Failure to do so will take us down the path of negativity, tear us away from the values we cherish and turn us into a people estranged from unity who sabotage development, undermine democracy and destroy our republic in the pursuit of political expediency.”

Ruto used the opportunity to reiterate that his administration has rolled out key programmes that are changing the lives of Kenyans.

He defended the fertiliser subsidy, describing it as a game-changer even as he assured Kenyans that Taifa Care will be transformative.

Ruto noted that the government is cognisant of its achievements over the last two years, adding that it is on that basis that they have been confident in listing them to Kenyans.

On Taifa Care, the President while admitting teething problems urged Kenyans to register for the service that he noted will ensure everyone is able to access quality health services.

Some 5.6 million Kenyans have been transitioned from NHIF to the new system, while 11 million Kenyans have registered.

The registration is however lowest in Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, West Pokot and Turkana.

Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Bomet, Embu, and Lamu counties are leading in the registration into the Social Health Insurance Fund.

The President also highlighted what his administration is doing to create employment for the youths, including international opportunities.

According to the President, more than 243,000 Kenyans have secured international job opportunities since September 2022 when he took over power.

A further 200,000 Kenyans have been hired in the affordable housing programme, while the universal healthcare coverage has engaged 107,000 community health promoters across the country.

In the last two years, Ruto noted that his administration has put on payroll 56,000 teachers to address the chronic teacher shortage and bring Kenya closer to the United Nations recommended teacher-to-student ratio.

The UN recommends one teacher handling not more than 40 learners.

“We are determined to build a labour market capable of absorbing as many job seekers as possible, cognisant of the output of our education and training institutions, which produce talented, skilled and motivated young people,” he said.

“By doing the hard work and heavy lifting now, we are laying the foundation for citizens to seize opportunities in the future.”