A detailed report on reforms and achievements
Nairobi, Kenya – Since assuming office in September 2022, William Ruto has embarked on an ambitious reform agenda aimed at reshaping Kenya’s economic and social landscape. With a focus on empowering the lower-income population, reducing inequalities, and modernising the country’s infrastructure, Ruto’s leadership is marked by bold initiatives that address the nation’s pressing challenges.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com
One of the defining features of Ruto’s presidency is the Hustler Nation initiative, which seeks to uplift small-scale traders and informal workers. The launch of the Hustler Fund in 2023, with an initial allocation of KSh 50 billion (approximately £280 million), has provided microcredit to over five million Kenyans, 60% of whom are women. The fund has been hailed as a game-changer for grassroots entrepreneurship.
Additionally, significant subsidies on fertilisers and seeds have reduced agricultural costs by more than 30%. As a result, maize and wheat production increased by 7% in 2023, bolstering food security in regions previously devastated by drought.
Ruto’s administration has prioritised infrastructure development to position Kenya as a regional economic hub:
LAPSSET Corridor Project: The ambitious transport and trade initiative received £660 million in additional funding, accelerating the construction of roads, ports, and oil pipelines.
Renewable Energy Leadership: Kenya continues to lead Africa in renewable energy, with 92% of its energy mix derived from clean sources. The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, which generates 310 MW, powers 14% of Kenyan households, while new solar installations are expanding access in remote areas.
Rural electrification efforts have also gained momentum, with over 1.2 million new electricity connections recorded since 2023.
In education, the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) remains a cornerstone of Ruto’s reform agenda. Investment in technical and vocational training has seen £28 million allocated to upgrade institutions, benefiting 100,000 young people by 2024.
In healthcare, the expansion of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme has brought significant progress. The government has overseen the construction of 150 new hospitals, mainly in rural areas, and immunisation rates have risen to 90%, reducing the prevalence of diseases such as measles and typhoid.
On the international stage, Ruto has positioned Kenya as a key player in regional diplomacy and economic partnerships. In 2023, the country attracted over £2.3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), securing strategic agreements with China and the United States. Additionally, Kenya has played a pivotal role in peace negotiations in South Sudan, reinforcing its status as a stabilising force in East Africa.
Ruto’s government has implemented wide-ranging fiscal reforms aimed at reducing Kenya’s budget deficit. Tax reforms have broadened the revenue base, resulting in an 18% increase in collections in 2023, bringing the deficit down to 4.5% of GDP. Concurrently, anti-corruption measures, including independent audits and high-profile investigations, have strengthened public trust in government institutions.
Despite notable achievements, Ruto’s administration faces mounting criticism over the rising cost of living. Inflation peaked at 9.5% in 2023, putting pressure on household incomes, particularly among the poor. The opposition, led by Raila Odinga, has intensified calls for comprehensive economic and political reforms, keeping the political climate tense.
William Ruto’s tenure is shaping up to be a period of transformative change for Kenya. While challenges persist, the president’s focus on grassroots empowerment, infrastructure development, and sustainable economic growth offers a vision for a more resilient and equitable future. Whether these reforms will translate into long-term success remains to be seen, but they mark a significant step forward for one of Africa’s most dynamic nations.
