President William Ruto has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to national transformation, insisting that his priority is delivering on promises, not seeking re-election in 2027.
Speaking during the Third National Executive Retreat at the KCB Leadership Centre in Kajiado County, the President dismissed criticism that his government overpromised during the campaign period. Instead, he defended the ambitious nature of his administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), describing it as both achievable and essential.
“We promised a lot, but we will deliver,” Ruto affirmed, adding, “Our focus is not the next election. Our focus is the transformation of Kenya.”
The two-day retreat brought together top government officials to assess the progress of BETA. Ruto admitted the journey had not been easy, citing difficult choices and systemic challenges, but emphasized his administration would not retreat from its commitments.
“I have no intention whatsoever of escaping any of the commitments we made. Some advised me to defer the tough issues to a second term, I said no. We have been timid about what needs to be done in Kenya for too long,” he said.
Ruto also addressed ongoing public concern over the controversial affordable housing levy, assuring Kenyans that the initiative would be implemented transparently. During a recent inspection of the Kibera Soweto East Zone B Affordable Housing Project, he emphasized equitable distribution.
“Allocations will not be done on an ethnic basis. All deserving Kenyans will benefit equally. Residents of these areas will be given first priority,” the President said.
In healthcare, Ruto touted significant strides under the newly rebranded Taifa Care, formerly the Social Health Insurance Fund. He revealed that over 23.3 million Kenyans had registered under the new scheme, with more than 93,000 signing up on June 9 alone.
“Kenyans have started to see that SHA is paying bills for people around them,” Ruto noted. He described the new model as more inclusive than the now-defunct NHIF, which he said largely served salaried individuals.
The President concluded by urging all Kenyans to register for Taifa Care, calling it a critical step in ensuring access to dependable healthcare for all.
With mounting scrutiny over his administration’s bold programs, Ruto remains defiant: “We did not overpromise. We promised what is doable, and we will deliver.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
