MIGORI, Kenya — President William Ruto has stated that Kenyans are no longer interested in outdated political tactics, empty rhetoric, and slogans. Speaking at a consultative meeting with grassroots leaders in Migori County, the President emphasized that the public’s focus has shifted to tangible development and policies that have a real impact on their lives.
During the meeting, which was attended by prominent figures including Governor Ochillo Ayacko and Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi, President Ruto addressed his political opponents. He asserted that their era of political slogans has ended, as they have no substantive development agenda to offer the public.
“There are people who want to take us back to the politics of slogans like ‘Ruto must go.’ This will not take you anywhere. Kenyans want to know what plan you have for them,” he stated.
President Ruto highlighted his administration’s track record over the past three years, pointing to the stabilization and growth of the national economy. He noted that the Kenyan shilling has strengthened from a high of Ksh.165 to the US dollar to its current rate of Ksh.129, while inflation has fallen from 9.6% to 4.1% last month.
In the agricultural sector, the President credited his government’s decision to shift from consumption subsidies to production subsidies for increasing productivity and lowering food prices. He noted that the price of a 50kg bag of fertilizer has dropped from nearly Ksh.7,000 to Ksh.2,500.
He also mentioned that the government has addressed cartels in the agricultural sector by registering 6.5 million farmers on a digital platform to streamline support.
Additionally, he stated that coffee prices have risen from Ksh.60 to between Ksh.110 and Ksh.150 per kilogram.
The President also highlighted reforms in the sugar industry, which have led to timely payments for farmers, stating, “We have directed that farmers delivering sugarcane must be paid within one week of delivery of cane.”
He added that the government aims to end food imports and become a net exporter of sugar by 2027.
On education, the President announced that his administration has hired 76,000 teachers over the past two years, with an additional 24,000 to be recruited later this month to address the teacher shortage.
Regarding healthcare, President Ruto reiterated his commitment to delivering universal healthcare through the Social Health Authority (SHA), emphasizing that outpatient services at dispensaries and certain hospitals are free.
He warned against illegal charges, stating, “Those who ask citizens for money at three categories of hospital for outpatient services will be dealt with. It is illegal.” He urged all Kenyans to register with SHA, noting that 25 million people have already done so.
The President also highlighted progress in infrastructure and job creation. He announced that the government has secured Ksh.175 billion for road construction and that the Affordable Housing Programme has already created 320,000 jobs, with that number expected to double.
He also mentioned job creation through ICT hubs, the Labour Mobility Programme which has benefited 420,000 young people, and the new NYOTA program, which will provide grants to 70 young people in each ward.
He also mentioned the ClimateWorx program, which is hiring youth for environmental cleanup and tree planting.
He urged Kenyans to actively seek these opportunities, stating, “Employment opportunities will not come looking for you at home; you must make an effort.”
President Ruto commended former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for collaborating with the government to promote national unity, noting that this broad-based approach is accelerating the country’s transformation. He assured Kenyans that no region would be left behind.
Also Read: Ruto slams opposition’s ‘must go’ slogan as empty rhetoric, cites lack of development agenda
In a show of support, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed praised the government’s development agenda in Migori County, questioning the opposition’s current calls for protests.
He recalled past demonstrations were based on clear concerns like high food prices, adding, “We came out with cooking pots on our heads because of the high food prices. Today, the prices have gone down.”
The visit concluded with President Ruto presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Awendo Affordable Housing Project, a 300-unit project that is expected to create over 500 jobs.
The President also announced plans to build 15,000 housing units and 18 markets in Migori County.
