NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto continues to emphasize financial pledges for Kenyan citizens, framing them as “empowerment programmes” directly targeting individual wards across the nation.
During a recent church service in Nairobi, President Ruto made a fresh commitment, announcing that 70 women and youth groups in every ward would begin receiving Ksh. 50,000 each to facilitate the establishment of new businesses.
“We have another project where in every ward we will give 70 women and youth groups Ksh. 50,000 to establish businesses,” the Head of State declared, outlining a program intended to benefit 100,000 young people nationwide.
According to President Ruto, this initiative is a direct implementation of his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a core tenet of his pre-election manifesto.
Addressing his critics, President Ruto asserted his focus on uplifting the less privileged.
“We are looking for those at the bottom to uplift them. Those shouting at me are at the top; they should give me an opportunity to lift those who are at the bottom,” he stated.
The Head of State further castigated unnamed detractors, maintaining that their opposition would not deter him from fulfilling his mandate.
“I don’t care about the noises. I am focused. Because God gave me a chance to lead Kenya, he has given me an assignment to transform this nation, and I will see it through. Those who shout at me can make noise,” he affirmed.
President Ruto also drew comparisons to previous administrations, contending that they failed to deliver on promises such as Universal Health Coverage and affordable housing, and positioning himself as the leader capable of realizing these goals.
“I am committed, I am determined, I am focused on transforming Kenya. No amount of intimidation or name-calling is going to change my course. I have an assignment to transform Kenya, and I have enough time to do it,” he assured congregants during the Sunday church service.
In addition to these economic initiatives, President Ruto also pledged a new sewage system for the city of Nairobi, as part of the ambitious Ksh. 40 billion Nairobi River clean-up project, slated for completion by January 2027.
