Ruto’s Betrayal: Broken Promises and Burdens on Kenya’s People

Since assuming office in 2022, President William Ruto has sparked both admiration and criticism across Kenya’s political and social spectrum. While his government has championed key reforms and economic strategies, public opinion remains divided on its effectiveness and priorities. Here, we delve into the major points of praise and criticism surrounding Ruto’s presidency.

Achievements and Praises

1. The Hustler Narrative and Economic Empowerment President Ruto’s campaign revolved around the “Hustler Nation” mantra, aimed at empowering ordinary Kenyans, particularly small-scale traders and low-income earners. The introduction of the Hustler Fund was a significant step toward providing affordable credit to small businesses, enabling many entrepreneurs to grow their ventures.
2. Infrastructure Development Ruto’s government has prioritized infrastructure projects, particularly in rural areas, to boost connectivity and economic growth. Improved road networks and electricity access have been lauded as steps toward equitable development.
3. Agricultural Reforms With agriculture being the backbone of Kenya’s economy, Ruto’s administration has launched initiatives to support farmers, including subsidized fertilizer programs. These efforts aim to increase food production and reduce the reliance on imports.
4. Anti-Corruption Stance The President has emphasized the need to combat corruption, calling out public officials involved in graft. While tangible results remain debated, the rhetoric has resonated with citizens demanding accountability.

Criticisms and Challenges

1. High Cost of Living Despite promises to improve the economy, many Kenyans continue to struggle with rising costs of basic goods, fuel, and services. The Finance Act 2023, which increased VAT on fuel, drew widespread criticism for exacerbating economic hardships.
2. Unemployment and Inequality Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge. Critics argue that the government’s initiatives, such as the Hustler Fund, have not adequately addressed systemic issues or created sustainable employment opportunities.
3. Perceived Over-Taxation The introduction of new taxes has been labeled as burdensome by many citizens. Public protests and opposition leaders have highlighted concerns that these measures disproportionately affect low-income earners.
4. Governance and Corruption Allegations While President Ruto has pledged to fight corruption, there are accusations of favoritism in government appointments and insufficient action against high-profile graft cases. This has led to skepticism about the administration’s commitment to transparency.
5. Political Polarization Ruto’s tenure has seen heightened political tensions between his administration and the opposition. Protests, often met with police crackdowns, have raised concerns about human rights and democratic freedoms.
6. Healthcare and Education Gaps Critics argue that the government has not done enough to improve access to affordable healthcare or enhance the quality of education. Marginalized communities continue to face significant disparities in these essential services.

Striking a Balance

President Ruto’s government has undeniably made strides in certain areas, particularly in empowering small-scale traders and improving infrastructure. However, the administration faces significant hurdles, including public dissatisfaction with economic policies and governance issues. Striking a balance between addressing immediate citizen concerns and implementing long-term reforms will be critical for Ruto’s legacy.

As Kenya continues to navigate these challenges, the role of civil society, opposition parties, and grassroots movements will remain crucial in holding the government accountable and ensuring that the needs of all citizens are met. Whether Ruto’s presidency ultimately tilts toward praise or criticism will depend on his administration’s ability to adapt and deliver on its promises.