Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow has acknowledged notable improvements in Kenya’s key macroeconomic indicators under President William Ruto’s administration, while noting that the impact is yet to be fully felt by ordinary citizens.

In an interview on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Kerrow said assessing the economy is inherently political and subjective, but pointed to data indicating shifts in key economic measures since the current administration took office.

“When you look at the macro indicators, you can say yes, things are better than they were when William came to power,” Kerrow said.

He cited stabilisation of the exchange rate, improved access to foreign currency, easing inflation levels from near double digits, and moderation of Treasury Bill rates that had previously approached 18%.

He also noted a reduction in petroleum prices and costs of basic commodities compared to earlier peaks.

Sectoral growth and economic activity

Kerrow pointed to growth in sectors including tourism, information technology, and finance as contributing to overall economic performance. He also referenced past infrastructure-driven growth, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which he said boosted construction activity.

He, however, noted that such gains are often concentrated in the formal sectors and may not immediately reflect in the informal or rural economies.

“We’ve always had this issue of, yes, those indicators are good, looking up, but the common man has no money in his or her pocket,” he said.

Kerrow described several economic metrics as “elitist,” arguing that their benefits are largely visible within specific sectors of the economy.

Employment and household income concerns

Kerrow said the translation of macroeconomic gains into household welfare depends on sustained growth, employment creation, and rising incomes. He noted that without significant job creation, improvements in economic indicators may not directly impact citizens’ livelihoods.

He said sustained growth is required for businesses and industries to expand hiring and for incomes to rise in a meaningful way.

Governance and accountability issues

In earlier remarks made during a radio interview on March 3, 2026, Kerrow raised concerns about corruption and governance challenges, stating that public trust in government remains low.

“Whatever the government does, even if done with good intentions, is met with suspicion,” he said. He called for a public audit of national debt and emphasised that borrowed funds should comply with the Public Finance Management Act and be directed strictly toward development.

He warned that mismanagement of public resources continues to undermine confidence in government programmes.