Ruto: Running Kenya is a difficult job
By Faith Lagat, September 13, 2025President William Ruto has described the challenges he is facing while running the country amid rising criticism.
Ruto, speaking on September 13, 2025, at the Walimu Na Rais Forum at State House, described the challenges of governing Kenya.
Ruto explained, saying, “Running Kenya is a difficult job, my friend. Unajua saa zingine watu wako na akili ni very difficult kurun, kwa sababu wanapanga akili kitu mzuri, na pia wanapangia akili mambo ingine ya ajabu.”
He also addressed efforts to tackle fraud in public systems, stating, “The discharge is on the digital platform; we are now moving to biometrics. An ID is not going to be enough, kwa sababu hata kuna wengine wanachukua ID ya mtu amekufa na anakuja kufanyia ukora.”
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SHA and UHC
Ruto, in the same forum, emphasised the government’s commitment to the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), declaring, “We are determined, SHA, UHC must work because section 43 of the constitution of Kenya says health is a constitutional right of every citizen.”
He acknowledged that UHC has faced challenges under previous administrations—NARC, Grand Coalition, Jubilee, Kenya Kwanza, and Azimio—but highlighted progress under his leadership, saying, “I can now proudly tell you that SHA is working.”
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Funds are now sent directly to health facilities, bypassing counties, while additional resources have been allocated to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to address drug shortages.
Despite these measures, the Rural Private Hospitals Association reported a Ksh33 billion NHIF debt and a Ksh43 billion SHA claims backlog.
Measures
On leadership, Ruto criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying, “Nilikua na mwingine analalamika, hajasoma, nikaona ataniangusha,” while praising his current deputy, Kithure Kindiki, calling him an “education giant.”
He emphasised the importance of surrounding oneself with capable personnel, stating, “If you want to succeed, you put people around you who are more intelligent than you.” He also reflected on his own experience, noting, “I am probably the most learned Kenyan president ever elected,” and added, “I have no excuse; we must transform this country.”
On September 12, 2025, SHA appointed four new directors—Diana Marion, Golda Larissa Akolo, Mohamed Alio Ibrahim, and Jonathan Leisen—following a transparent recruitment process, confirmed by SHA Board Chairperson Abdi Mohamed.
Ruto further reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption, stating, “We are going to get rid of crooks wale matapeli wenye wanatuibia pesa za wagonjwa,” as part of measures to strengthen SHA and improve healthcare delivery across the country.