William Ruto’s Policies As Disruptors: Shaking The Status Quo For Kenya’s Future
Presidential William Ruto
By Kamomonti Wa Kiambati
Worth Noting:
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One of Ruto’s most notable policies in the education sector is the overhaul of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The system was introduced during the previous administration with the aim of fostering a more skills-based approach to learning, but it faced resistance from parents, teachers, and educational stakeholders, who raised concerns about its implementation and effectiveness. Ruto has called for a review of the CBC to address the disparities and inequities it has brought about, including the rising cost of education for parents.
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A significant component of Ruto’s disruption in education is focused on ensuring access to quality and affordable education for all, especially for children from marginalized communities.
The power of disruption. President Ruto is a chief disruptor. The power of disruption lies in its ability to break patterns, challenge norms, and spark innovation. It forces individuals and organizations to adapt, think creatively, and redefine success. In a rapidly changing world, disruption drives progress by creating opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation through unexpected shifts and challenges.
Since assuming office, President William Ruto has embarked on an ambitious path of reform that aims to shake up the status quo in Kenya across a variety of sectors, including education, healthcare, housing, and taxation. His policies have drawn both praise and criticism for their disruptive nature, but there is no doubt that they aim to tackle long-standing challenges in the country. This massive overhaul could potentially reshape Kenya’s socio-economic landscape, much in line with what the nation needs in order to grow and thrive. The ripple effects of these reforms will take time to manifest, but the disruption is necessary to address the inertia that has plagued key sectors for years.
One of Ruto’s most notable policies in the education sector is the overhaul of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The system was introduced during the previous administration with the aim of fostering a more skills-based approach to learning, but it faced resistance from parents, teachers, and educational stakeholders, who raised concerns about its implementation and effectiveness. Ruto has called for a review of the CBC to address the disparities and inequities it has brought about, including the rising cost of education for parents.
A significant component of Ruto’s disruption in education is focused on ensuring access to quality and affordable education for all, especially for children from marginalized communities. The government’s focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is also critical in bridging the gap between education and employment, helping young people gain marketable skills. This shift from the traditional academic model to a more skills-based approach could foster greater innovation and job creation, but it requires strong implementation to avoid further complications in an already burdened system.
Ruto’s healthcare agenda also stands out as a major disruptor, especially with the overhaul of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The president has prioritized universal healthcare coverage (UHC), which aims to provide affordable health services to all Kenyans, regardless of income level. The NHIF reform seeks to reconfigure the way healthcare is financed and delivered in the country, shifting the burden away from individuals to a more collective, insurance-based approach.
One of the key elements of Ruto’s healthcare disruption is his commitment to preventive healthcare. The president has emphasized the need for Kenyans to adopt a preventive rather than curative healthcare mindset. This shift could help reduce the strain on healthcare facilities, which are often overwhelmed by preventable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. However, this shift requires heavy investment in healthcare infrastructure and public education, ensuring that the necessary resources are available to support preventive measures.
The government’s Affordable Housing Plan is another major policy designed to disrupt the traditional housing sector. Ruto’s administration has set an ambitious goal of constructing 250,000 houses annually, targeting the middle and lower-income brackets that have long struggled with access to affordable housing. The project is framed as part of his broader efforts to address urbanization challenges, where demand for housing far outweighs supply, particularly in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
Ruto’s housing policy also presents an opportunity for economic growth by creating jobs within the construction industry. His administration has argued that this initiative will not only address housing shortages but also stimulate the economy by providing employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans. However, this plan has met with some opposition, particularly over how it will be funded and whether it will truly benefit the intended demographic or result in displacement and gentrification in urban centers.
Perhaps one of the most controversial areas of disruption has been Ruto’s tax policies. His administration has introduced a raft of changes aimed at expanding the tax base and increasing revenue collection. While these measures are essential for financing the country’s development agenda, they have also been met with resistance from small businesses and the middle class, who argue that they are being disproportionately affected by the increased taxes.
One of Ruto’s key objectives is to increase the contribution of the informal sector to the national tax revenue. For decades, the informal sector, which makes up a large portion of Kenya’s economy, has largely gone untaxed, placing the tax burden on formal businesses and salaried employees. By bringing more of the informal sector into the tax net, Ruto’s administration hopes to reduce the fiscal deficit and invest more in infrastructure and social services. However, critics argue that this move could stifle small businesses and discourage entrepreneurship, particularly if the tax regime is not accompanied by a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles and red tape.
Ruto’s disruptive policies signal a departure from the cautious, incremental reforms of the past. His administration has identified entrenched problems in key sectors and is pushing for bold, transformative changes. While disruption can often lead to uncertainty, it also presents an opportunity for Kenya to break free from the cycles of inefficiency, corruption, and stagnation that have hampered its growth.
However, the success of Ruto’s disruptive agenda hinges on effective implementation and the management of opposition. The government must ensure that these policies are not only well-intentioned but also well-executed. Adequate planning, transparency, and accountability will be crucial to minimizing any negative impacts on vulnerable populations while maximizing the benefits of the reforms.
Kenya stands at a crossroads. The disruption brought about by Ruto’s policies could potentially propel the country toward greater economic stability, improved healthcare, better education, and more equitable development. The challenge now is to manage the short-term disruption so that it leads to long-term gains. If successful, these policies could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Kenya – one where the status quo is finally shaken, and the promise of development becomes a reality for all.
Kamomonti teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub County.
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