Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

President William Ruto in his end-year address to Kenyans highlighted a host of challenges the country faced. He equally, cited some of the key successes and government interventions that are expected to bear fruit in 2025.

Economic downturn

In his speech at the Kisii State Lodge on December 31, 2024, Ruto remarked that his tenure had been characterized by shocks from various quarters and reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic which shattered major economies.

He, however, noted that through concerted efforts from government agencies, he had managed to greatly stabilize the Kenyan shilling against major world currencies.

“Our currency, the shilling, faced significant pressure from major currencies. Many families struggled to provide daily meals as agriculture grappled with the aftermath of the region’s longest and harshest drought, followed by devastating floods that destroyed crops, livestock, infrastructure, and development,” Ruto said.

“We had to find ways of mobilising sufficient revenue to finance all our obligations, provide services inclusively and consistently, and invest in development,” he noted.

The head of state equally stated that calls for the accountable use of public resources had necessitated the digitization of most government services for increased revenue collection and better service delivery.

Taifa Care

Ruto equally observed that while the Social Health Authority christened Taifa Care faces challenges in its roll-out, the state’s collaboration with county governments would greatly streamline services.

He also noted that the government would be constructing 200 market centres while significantly scaling the loan limits of paid-up Hustler Fund borrowers to spur the development of MSMEs in the country.

Education

The other sector which has faced significant challenges is the education sector. While addressing the public in Kisii, Ruto noted that his administration has employed and trained more teachers to support the transition to the competence-based curriculum and ensure the seamless progression of learners into junior secondary school.

He promised to fix the mess in the university funding model.

“We are addressing the chronic higher education financing challenges that had paralysed learning, research, and development at the peak of our education and training ecosystem. Our goal is to make higher education, particularly university education, more inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.

Employment & Housing

Ruto noted that the affordable housing programme has 873,000 houses at various stages of construction. He revealed that early this year, he will be handing over keys to 8,000 homeowners.

He further noted that construction had created 200,000 of the one million jobs created during his time in office.

“To ensure young people have opportunities to actualise their talents, apply their skills, and drive economic growth, we have pursued every promising intervention,” remarked.

Police & Law enforcement

Ruto noted that significant strides had been made in securing the nation from terrorism, banditry, cattle rustling, cybercrime, and other offences. He came to the defence of police officers, noting that public order supersedes unchecked freedom.

“It cannot be denied that there have been instances of excessive and extrajudicial actions by members of the security services. At the same time, it must also be acknowledged that due process is underway in appropriate institutions to ensure accountability,” Ruto said.

“Every freedom has its limits and that public safety and order must always supersede the desire for unchecked liberty.”

Broad-based government

Ruto equally defended his decision to co-opt members of the opposition into his government, noting that it was rather a step toward inclusivity than a ploy to undermine competitive democracy.

“In 2025, the seeds we have patiently and carefully planted will continue to germinate and grow. The progress we have made has set us firmly on a path of rapid and sustainable growth,” he observed.