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The government is taking robust measures to eradicate poverty in the country, President William Ruto has said.

Ruto assured that the government is keen on ensuring no Kenyan is left behind as it rolls out the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

He cited job creation, increased food production and Universal Health Coverage as some of the key initiatives that will reduce poverty among Kenyans.

“When someone does not have a job and food, and cannot access affordable healthcare, that person is poor,” he said. He made the remarks during a thanksgiving service for Tourism Principal Secretary John Olotuaa in Kilgoris, Narok, yesterday.

Present were First Lady Rachel Ruto, Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu, Cabinet Secretaries Alfred Mutua (Tourism) and Soipan Tuya (Environment), MPs and MCAs.

President Ruto said the government has steered the country away from the debt crisis that had slowed economic growth and stalled key development projects.

He said over the past year, the government has focused on repaying huge debts, including the $2 billion Eurobond. “We can now plan our development without the worry that our country will fall into the trap of debt distress,” he said.

President Ruto explained that the budget of the next Financial Year, that will soon be presented to Parliament, will allocate adequate funds to major development and transformative projects.

“We plan to allocate Sh120 billion for construction of roads in the next budget cycle,” he said.

Head of State also announced that the government has revived the last mile power programme that seeks to connect every Kenyan household to electricity.

On job creation, Ruto confirmed that the country has secured one million jobs for the youth abroad under the Export of Labour Programme.

He added that the government will continue to create more jobs through the affordable Housing Programme, digital jobs and Special Economic Zones.

Ruto said the government is working with the counties to ensure subsidised fertiliser reaches farmers at the grassroots.

“Our goal is to assist farmers to produce more, cash crops or food crops alike, to ensure food security,” he said.