President William Ruto has intensified the defence of his administration’s record, insisting that his government is delivering transformation through infrastructure and social programmes, even as political pressure and public dissatisfaction continue to mount.
In a statement during a development tour in Tharaka Nithi County, Ruto said his administration is defined by “action, resolve, and an unwavering commitment” to addressing Kenya’s challenges.
“This administration has been defined by action, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to confronting the challenges facing the people of Kenya,” he said.
He added that his government is committed to a results-driven agenda.
“We endeavour to leave behind a legacy of solutions, not excuses. We are therefore pursuing bold and decisive reforms in various sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure,” Ruto said.
The President highlighted several projects, including the Chuka Modern Market in Tharaka Nithi County, which he said cost KSh300 million and forms part of 10 markets being developed in the county at a total cost of KSh1.5 billion. He also cited investments in housing and education infrastructure.
“We have also invested KSh7.5 billion in the construction of 5,000 affordable housing units and KSh2.7 billion in 6,000-bed capacity student hostels,” he said.
Ruto further pointed to infrastructure commitments, including KSh7 billion for the Nithi Bridge and plans to expand the Makutano–Meru–Maua road into a dual carriageway.
“In addition, we have secured KSh 7 billion for the construction of Nithi Bridge. We also commit to expand the Makutano-Meru-Maua road into a dual carriageway,” he said.
However, the President’s defence comes at a time of sustained criticism from the opposition and growing public frustration over the cost of living, taxes, and unemployment.
Opposition leaders argue that while the government continues to showcase infrastructure projects, ordinary Kenyans are struggling with rising prices of food and basic commodities. They accuse the administration of prioritising high-profile projects over immediate economic relief.
The opposition has also linked current economic frustrations to the June 2025 Gen Z-led protests, which saw thousands of young Kenyans take to the streets across major towns demanding tax relief, accountability, and better governance. The demonstrations, largely driven by social media mobilisation, reflected deep generational anger over unemployment and the rising cost of living, and forced the government to reconsider parts of its fiscal policy.
Since then, opposition figures have repeatedly cited the protests as evidence of what they describe as a widening gap between government priorities and citizen needs, warning that public anger could resurface if economic pressures persist.
Political analysts say the administration is now working to counter that narrative through development tours and project handovers, as it seeks to demonstrate visible progress ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
