The Path Forward: Ruto’s Administration Blunders
Most of Ruto’s former Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) found themselves on the receiving end after their respective ministries were involved in corruption cases.
As the Deputy President under Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto’s campaign was built on a platform of economic transformation, aiming to uplift millions of Kenyans grappling with poverty and unemployment. His victory was both celebrated and contested, with allegations of electoral irregularities leading to legal battles.
Ruto’s administration hit the ground running, focusing on the “bottom-up” economic model central to his campaign. This model emphasized support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), aiming to stimulate job creation and economic growth from the grassroots level.
One of his first major policy initiatives was the establishment of the “Hustler Fund,” a financial program designed to provide affordable credit to small business owners and entrepreneurs. This initiative aimed to break the cycle of poverty and dependency by empowering individuals to create their own wealth. However, the program faced setbacks as many people turned it down, citing the insufficient amounts given compared to the country’s high cost of living and tough economic times.
Most of Ruto’s former Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) found themselves on the receiving end after their respective ministries were involved in corruption cases. For instance, the immediate former Cabinet Secretary of Health, Susan Nakhumicha, was involved in a scandal where funds intended for malaria nets went missing without the nets being purchased.
Similarly, the Ministry of Industrialization, under former CS Moses Kuria, was embroiled in an oil scandal where the sector requested 125 tons of cooking oil, a move that went against standard procurement procedures. Kuria alleged that oil companies were bribing media houses to tarnish his ministry’s image.
In another incident, the CS of Agriculture was unable to explain how fake fertilizer entered the Kenyan market. The company given the tender to supply fertilizer distributed fake products to farmers, leading MPs to motion for the CS’s impeachment. However, a committee later cleared him of all allegations.
In May 2023, fake sugar entered the Kenyan market. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) indicated that the sugar was imported improperly, resulting in the dismissal of 11 officers.
Many of Ruto’s CSs were seen living luxurious lives while the common mwananchi struggled with a high cost of living and a tough economy. Corruption allegations across various sectors, from transport to health, have impacted public trust in Ruto’s government. Security challenges, including terrorism and internal conflicts, continue to pose threats, and despite efforts, economic inequalities and unemployment rates remain high, raising questions about Ruto’s leadership.
Overall, many have lost hope in Ruto, believing he will not transform the country. The biggest challenge faced by his government was the Finance Bill 2024/25, which proposed new taxes on products like pads, bread, and data. Public protests under the tag “REJECT FINANCE BILL 2024” pressured Ruto not to sign the bill.
The political landscape in Kenya remains highly polarized, with opposition parties and Gen-Zs questioning the legitimacy of Ruto’s presidency. Raila Odinga, his main opponent in the 2022 election, led a series of protests and rallies demanding electoral reforms and greater transparency in government operations. These tensions occasionally erupted into clashes between protesters and security forces, raising concerns about political stability. In June and July 2024, a series of anti-finance bill protests by youths shook the government, leading to the head of state deciding not to sign the bill into law.
In response to these economic challenges, Ruto’s government implemented a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing the national deficit. These measures included cutting public expenditure and increasing taxes, which, while necessary for fiscal stability, were unpopular among the populace. The government also sought to attract foreign investment through favorable policies and incentives, although progress was slow due to global economic uncertainties.
On the social front, Ruto’s administration made strides in addressing long-standing issues such as healthcare and housing. The government launched the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program, aiming to ensure that all Kenyans had access to quality healthcare services. Efforts were also made to increase the availability of affordable housing, with several large-scale housing projects initiated in major urban centers.
However, human rights organizations criticized the government’s approach to dissent and freedom of expression. Reports of police brutality during protests and the harassment of journalists and activists drew condemnation both domestically and internationally. Ruto’s administration faced the delicate task of maintaining security and order while respecting civil liberties, a balance that proved difficult to achieve.
Public support for Ruto’s policies remained mixed, with many Kenyans eager for tangible improvements in their daily lives. The success of his presidency would ultimately be judged by his ability to deliver on the promises of economic growth, social justice, and political stability. As Kenya moves forward, the resilience and adaptability of its people, along with the effectiveness of its leadership, will play crucial roles in shaping the nation’s future.
Report by Jesse Abisheck Shivairo
Email: abijessyshi@gmail.com
Social Media: IG/X: @jesseabisheck
About Author
