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President William Ruto has said the government has successfully steered the country away from debt distress and stabilised the economy.

The President said the Kenya Kwanza government has proved naysayers wrong by working to repay the 2014 Euro Bond. He said Kenya was now ready for rapid development across the country.

“We have put in place robust measures to ensure that Kenya never again gets into serious debt challenges. We will plan our affairs well,” he said.

Ruto said now that the country has overcome debt challenges, the government will resume the construction of 200km Mau Mau roads.

Spur economic growth

He said the roads will ease the transport of people and goods, facilitate trade and spur economic growth.
He made the remarks at Nyambari, Lari, in Kiambu county during the construction launch of the Uplands-Kiijabe-Maai Mahiu road.

He also laid the foundation stone for Soko Mjinga Market in the same constituency. The market will provide a safe environment for traders and consumers away from the busy Nairobi-Naivasha highway.

President Ruto urged leaders to shun premature 2027 elections and instead focus on delivering services to the people.

“It is too early for 2027 politics. Those seeking elective seats should give those in office space to work,” he said.

The President said the government’s move to support farmers through subsidised fertiliser programme has increased food production.

Adequate funds

President Ruto also said the government has released adequate funds for Junior School, and asked school administrators not to send students home because of fees.

“The Government has released Sh7.5 billion for JSS students,” he added.

Ruto urged the youth to take advantage of ICT hubs, being built in all awards across the country, and equip themselves with skills that will unlock digital opportunities.

“Already, 120,000 young people are earning a decent living online,” he said.

The Head of State said the government is committed to Universal Healthcare, citing the rollout of 100,000 Community Health Promoters across all villages in Kenya.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the government has been focused on managing the country’s debt in the past one year, a situation that had derailed key development projects.

“The President has been struggling to settle the country’s debts. The economy is now stable and focused on development,” he added.

He urged leaders to set aside their political differences and work together for the sake of the people.
Present were Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, MPs Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Githua Wamacukuru (Kabete), Karungo Thangw’a (Senator Kiambu), John Wanjiku (Kiambaa), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika), Gabriel Kagombe (Gatundu South), Ann Wamuratha (Women Representative, Kiambu), John Kiragu (Limuru) and George Koimburi (Juja), among others.
Wamatangi commended the government for initiating transformative development programmes in Kiambu County, citing road projects.

“This is the first tarmac road to be built by the government in Lari Constituency. The existing tarmac road was built in the colonial era,” he said.

Ndindi said the value of the Kenyan shilling against the dollar has significantly improved over the past few days as a result of the government’s well-calculated policies.