By: James Kilonzo Bwire
President William Ruto’s administration has completed two years in office, a period marked by significant achievements and persistent challenges. This scorecard evaluates the government’s performance across key sectors, illustrating both successes and areas needing improvement.
Agriculture: A Cornerstone of Progress
Ruto’s government has made notable strides in agriculture, a sector critical to Kenya’s economy. The distribution of 7.2 million bags of subsidized fertilizer has significantly reduced costs for farmers, with prices dropping from Sh6,000 to Sh2,500 per bag. This initiative has led to a 38.9% increase in maize production, rising from 61.74 million to 85.7 million bags. Additionally, the digital registration of 5.95 million farmers has improved service delivery and support for agricultural initiatives.
These measures are crucial as food costs account for 52% of Kenya’s cost of living. By investing over Sh12 billion in fertilizer subsidies, Ruto’s administration aims to alleviate the high cost of food—a pressing concern for many Kenyans. Furthermore, the government has initiated new dam construction projects to tackle drought issues and ensure sufficient water supply for irrigation.
Housing: A Promising Initiative
The government’s affordable housing program has also seen remarkable progress, delivering 94,128 units—a staggering 1,061% increase from previous years. This initiative not only addresses the housing crisis but has also created over 140,000 jobs, contributing positively to the economy. The emphasis on affordable housing reflects Ruto’s commitment to improving living standards for low-income earners.
However, critics argue that while job creation is vital, the sustainability of these positions remains uncertain. The government must ensure that these jobs are not temporary and that they lead to meaningful employment opportunities for the youth.
Economic Initiatives: Mixed Results
Ruto’s administration launched the Hustler Fund, distributing Sh54.9 billion to 21.87 million individuals, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth. The increase in the guaranteed minimum price for milk by 35% is another positive step towards supporting local farmers and enhancing food production.
Despite these initiatives, the broader economic landscape remains challenging. High inflation rates and rising costs of living continue to burden many Kenyans. Critics point out that while the government has made efforts to stabilize public debt—reducing the fiscal deficit from Ksh1.1 trillion to Ksh700 million—these measures have not yet translated into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
Education: Promises vs. Reality
Education reform was a key promise during Ruto’s campaign. His administration has hired 56,000 new teachers and initiated reforms in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to address previous criticisms. However, implementation challenges persist as many parents express concerns about curriculum relevance and its alignment with modern job market demands.
The introduction of a new funding model for higher education aimed at categorizing students based on household income has faced backlash due to miscategorization issues, leaving some students unable to afford education despite coming from low-income families. This highlights a gap between policy intentions and actual outcomes.
Infrastructure Development
Ruto’s government has also focused on infrastructure revitalization by allocating Ksh3.5 billion to road maintenance projects and restarting several road construction initiatives. Notably, the construction of new motorways aims to enhance connectivity within the region and stimulate economic growth through improved transport networks.
The administration is also engaged in ambitious projects like the Malindi-Lunga Lunga coastal road corridor, which is expected to bolster trade links with neighboring countries and enhance regional integration.
Healthcare Initiatives
The administration is committed to transforming healthcare services by reforming the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to ensure affordability and accessibility for all Kenyans. Plans are underway to recruit community health promoters tasked with providing basic medical attention and managing chronic conditions at home.
Ruto’s government aims to implement universal health coverage that ensures every Kenyan can access essential healthcare services without financial strain—a critical goal given that healthcare costs can be prohibitive for many families.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these achievements, several challenges remain:
Delayed Disbursements: Delays in funding county governments hinder service delivery at local levels.
Education Sector Scrutiny: The education system continues to face criticism over curriculum relevance and accessibility.
Economic Hardships: Rising inflation and cost of living pressures remain significant issues affecting citizens’ quality of life.
Pending Bills: The accumulation of pending bills continues to jeopardize small businesses reliant on timely payments from government contracts.
Conclusion
President Ruto’s two-year scorecard presents a mixed picture of progress and setbacks. While significant achievements in agriculture, housing, infrastructure, and healthcare demonstrate potential for positive change, persistent economic challenges and implementation issues in education highlight areas needing urgent attention. Moving forward, it is essential for the administration to maintain momentum in its initiatives while addressing the concerns of ordinary Kenyans to build a more inclusive and prosperous society.
James Kilonzo Bwire is a Media and Communication Practitioner.