As President William Ruto reaches the midpoint of his term in 2025, his administration has achieved significant milestones across various sectors, reflecting a commitment to transformative policies aimed at enhancing Kenya’s socio-economic landscape.
Affordable Housing and Job Creation
A cornerstone of President Ruto’s agenda has been the Affordable Housing Programme, which has created approximately 244,232 jobs for Kenyans. This initiative not only addresses the housing deficit but also stimulates economic growth by engaging local labor and resources. Additionally, the program has facilitated payments totaling KSh4.4 billion to Jua Kali artisans involved in construction projects nationwide, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises.
Agricultural Reforms and Food Security
Recognizing agriculture as pivotal to Kenya’s economy, the Ruto administration has implemented measures to boost food production and ensure food security. In 2024, the government procured and distributed seven million bags of fertilizer through e-vouchers to support farmers. This initiative aims to increase crop yields and reduce the country’s reliance on food imports. Furthermore, all 17 sugar factories in Kenya are now operational, achieving record production levels and revitalizing the sugar industry. The coffee sector is also experiencing a resurgence, with exports projected to increase from 51,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2027.
Universal Health Coverage
In December 2024, President Ruto launched the Social Health Authority (SHA), a significant step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage. As of the end of 2024, 5.6 million Kenyans had transitioned to the SHA, with an additional 11 million new members registered. The administration also employed 107,000 Community Health Workers to provide free primary healthcare services at the community level, enhancing access to medical care across the country.
Economic Policies and Revenue Collection
To bolster Kenya’s economic independence, President Ruto set an ambitious revenue collection target of KSh4 trillion for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for the 2024/2025 financial year. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to reducing reliance on external borrowing and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Youth Employment and International Partnerships
Addressing the challenge of youth unemployment, President Ruto’s government has encouraged labor migration as a strategy to create employment opportunities. Notably, an agreement with Germany will see 3,000 Kenyan bus drivers employed to address labor shortages in the German transport sector. Such international partnerships not only provide job opportunities but also enhance skills transfer and bilateral relations.
Public Response and Challenges
Despite these achievements, the administration has faced public discontent, particularly concerning the 2024 finance bill, which proposed tax hikes leading to widespread protests. In response, President Ruto retracted some elements of the bill and made changes to his cabinet, demonstrating a willingness to address citizens’ concerns and adapt policies accordingly.
As President Ruto’s administration progresses, these accomplishments reflect a concerted effort to implement policies that promote economic growth, social welfare, and international cooperation, laying a foundation for a more prosperous Kenya.
