A Review of President William Ruto’s Administration: Policies, Public Perception, and Historical Context

Since assuming office in September 2022, the Ruto administration has introduced a range of policy changes and development programs under the “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).” This article provides an overview of the administration’s reported achievements, examines prevailing public sentiment, and offers a comparative perspective with previous presidential tenures in Kenya.

Policy Initiatives and Reported Deliverables

The Ruto administration’s economic agenda has centered on stimulating growth from the grassroots. Key areas of focus and reported progress include:

• Agriculture: The government has prioritized agricultural productivity, evidenced by the implementation of a fertilizer subsidy program. This initiative has aimed to lower input costs for farmers, with reports indicating increased farmer earnings in certain sectors and an expansion of cultivated land for various crops. Milk production and paddy rice output have also reportedly seen an increase.
• Employment and Enterprise Development: Efforts to create employment opportunities have been a stated objective. The administration has cited figures for Kenyans securing jobs abroad, as well as employment generated within the construction and informal sectors. The Affordable Housing Program is presented as a significant contributor to job creation. The “Hustler Fund,” a micro-finance initiative, has been established to provide access to credit for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), a vital segment of the Kenyan economy.
• Affordable Housing: A flagship program, the Affordable Housing Programe aims to address the housing deficit. As of recent reports, a substantial number of housing units are either completed or under construction, with a goal to deliver a significant number of units annually. The program also seeks to increase access to mortgages for a broader segment of the population.
    
• Digital Transformation: The digitalization of government services has seen considerable expansion, transitioning a large number of services to online platforms. This initiative is reported to enhance efficiency and improve revenue collection. Increased fiber optic connectivity is also a stated deliverable.
   
• Healthcare Reform: The administration has initiated reforms in the healthcare sector, including a notable increase in registrations for the Social Health Authority (SHA) and efforts to train Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
   
• Economic Indicators: Government statements indicate a projected economic growth rate for 2025, an observed decline in inflation, and a strengthening of the Kenyan Shilling against major international currencies. These trends are presented by the administration as indicators of a stable economic environment and the effectiveness of current economic policies.
• Environmental Conservation: Initiatives in environmental protection include tree planting campaigns and efforts towards the rehabilitation of natural resources.

Public Perception and Official Responses

Public opinion regarding President Ruto’s performance is varied, reflecting the diverse experiences and expectations of the Kenyan population.

Areas of Public Concern:

• Cost of Living and Taxation: A dominant theme in public discourse has been the escalating cost of living, exacerbated by new tax measures introduced by the government. The Finance Bill, in particular, has generated significant public debate and has been a focal point of public dissatisfaction.
   
• Protests and Engagement: The implementation of certain policies has led to public protests, with concerns raised regarding the government’s response to these demonstrations and the broader issue of public participation in policy-making.
• Governance and Accountability: Discussions around governance often include concerns about allegations of corruption and transparency in some government dealings. There are also reported concerns regarding unemployment levels, particularly among the youth.
   
• Public Services: Some segments of the population have expressed concerns regarding the perceived state of certain public services.

Government’s Perspective:

President Ruto has frequently addressed public concerns, articulating his administration’s rationale behind its policy decisions. His statements often emphasize:

• Necessity of Reforms: The President has consistently maintained that certain economic decisions, though potentially unpopular, are necessary for the long-term economic stability and growth of the country.
• Addressing Economic Challenges: He has framed the tax measures as essential for expanding the tax base, reducing reliance on debt, and ensuring the continued functioning of government services.
• Focus on Long-Term Goals: The administration often highlights its commitment to a long-term economic transformation that aims to benefit all Kenyans, particularly those at the grassroots level.
• Calls for Constructive Engagement: While acknowledging public sentiment, the President has often urged for constructive engagement and alternative proposals from critics, rather than broad opposition.
   

Historical Comparison of Presidential Approaches

Examining President Ruto’s policies in the context of previous administrations highlights both continuities and distinctions in Kenya’s leadership:

• Jomo Kenyatta (1964-1978): Focused on establishing national unity and a market-oriented economy post-independence. His era saw investments in agriculture and foundational infrastructure. Ruto’s emphasis on agricultural productivity resonates with this historical priority, though his mechanisms, such as direct subsidies, differ.
   
• Daniel Moi (1978-2002): Promoted a philosophy of peace, love, and unity, with a strong focus on centralized governance and expansion of educational access. Economic policies during his later tenure faced challenges. Ruto’s focus on empowering MSMEs and digital inclusion presents a different approach to economic empowerment compared to earlier state-led development.
   
• Mwai Kibaki (2002-2013): Is largely remembered for presiding over a period of economic recovery and growth, implementing free primary education, and initiating significant infrastructure projects. Kibaki’s approach prioritized broad-based economic growth. Ruto’s focus on affordable housing and digital transformation shares common goals of improving citizen welfare and service delivery, but his fiscal strategies, particularly concerning taxation, represent a different economic model.
   
• Uhuru Kenyatta (2013-2022): His administration championed the “Big Four Agenda,” which included food security, affordable housing, manufacturing, and universal healthcare. Kenyatta’s tenure saw substantial investment in infrastructure and advancements in digital governance. Ruto’s continuation of affordable housing and healthcare initiatives indicates a degree of policy continuity. However, Ruto’s administration has signaled a more aggressive stance on fiscal consolidation and debt management, leading to distinct approaches in revenue generation and spending priorities.

 

The current administration’s “Bottom-Up” economic model represents a strategic shift from previous trickle-down approaches, aiming to directly empower individuals and small businesses. The emphasis on expanding the tax base and reducing debt underscores a distinct fiscal policy. This period is also characterized by a more direct and often firm engagement from the executive in response to public dissent, a notable aspect of its communication strategy.

President William Ruto’s administration is actively pursuing a transformative agenda with a clear emphasis on economic restructuring and social programs. While progress has been reported in various sectors, the administration continues to navigate significant public concerns, particularly regarding economic hardship and governance. The interplay between stated government achievements, public sentiment, and the historical context of Kenyan leadership will continue to shape the narrative of this presidency.

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