By John Mutiso
President William Ruto is set to deliver his State of the Nation Address as pressure over economic performance, revenue collection gaps, and debt repayment strains grows along with increasing queries about the credibility of his bottom-up transformation agenda.
Scheduled for Thursday at 2:30 pm, the speech before a joint sitting of Parliament comes at a time when the nation is grappling with economic pressures, security concerns, and social challenges.
As he prepares to defend his record, Ruto’s economic scorecard is weighed down by deep structural trade-offs that now hang over his ability to deliver on his promised economic turnaround.
Ruto faces a delicate balancing act as he delivers his third State of the Nation address, with an expectant public, rising cost of living, and the 2027 elections looming.
He faces the challenge of defending his bottom-up economic agenda, acknowledging fiscal vulnerabilities, and presenting a credible long-term reform strategy capable of sustaining growth, investment, and public confidence.
The World Bank’s May 2025 economic outlook warned that Kenya remains at “high risk of debt distress” despite modest reforms.
The speech, a constitutional requirement, comes as the country prepares for multiple by-elections next week.
With just a year and nine months to the general election, Ruto’s legacy, including the success of his bottom-up economic strategy and his promise of national unity, remains under scrutiny.
Citizens hope the address will provide clear direction and outline practical solutions for the coming year.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) expressed confidence in the President’s address, highlighting the administration’s achievements and the vision ahead.
“The administration’s blueprint that is transforming Kenya through economic stabilisation, agricultural reform, affordable and accessible healthcare, dignified housing, and digital opportunities for the youth, and broad-based, inclusive development,” the party said in a statement.
UDA added that it stands behind President Ruto as he details the government’s milestones, the obstacles faced, and the next measures for building a stronger and more equitable nation.
“Under his leadership, Kenya is firmly on a path of renewal, progress and long-term transformation.”
Analysts and citizens alike are watching for key areas expected to feature prominently in the address.
With Kenya’s public debt surpassing Sh11 trillion, many are focused on how the government intends to stabilise the economy.
The President is expected to outline measures to control borrowing, increase revenue, regulate spending, and prepare the nation for potential global shocks. Balancing fiscal responsibility with economic growth remains a central concern for the public.
Rising prices for food and energy continue to strain household budgets.
The speech may highlight strategies to stabilise essential commodities, progress in fertiliser distribution, irrigation projects, agricultural reforms, and efforts to prevent exploitation within supply chains.
Citizens will be looking closely for tangible steps to ease the economic burden.
The administration is likely to report on progress in major infrastructure initiatives.
Expected updates include the expansion of the Rironi–Naivasha–Mau Summit road, Talanta Sports City, stadia and convention centres, railway extensions to Kisumu and Malaba, and various dam projects.
These projects are positioned as crucial for job creation and long-term economic development.
Ruto’s address is also expected to cover strategies to strengthen national security amid rising organised crime and terrorist threats.
Areas likely to feature include counter-terrorism measures, border security, modernisation of the police service, and community policing programs. Public safety is a key priority for national stability.
Updates on the Social Health Insurance Fund, expansion of health facilities, medical staffing, and digitisation of medical records may feature prominently.
In education, progress on the Competency-Based Curriculum, funding for universities and TVET institutions, teacher recruitment, and infrastructure improvements are anticipated.
The Affordable Housing Programme, a flagship initiative, is expected to be highlighted with progress on construction, jobs generated, and urban renewal initiatives.
However, not all Members of Parliament and Senators are expected to attend the address.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu confirmed he will skip the event, calling it “another formality for the president to push his own agenda and peddle lies”, during an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
