KENYA : As the East African Country Celebrates 61 Years of Independence, Jamhuri Day 2024, the head of state is facing backlash left, right and Centre.
President William Ruto's Jamhuri day Celebration speech has been termed a self congratulatory message instead of a solemn and reflective National address.
Speaking during the National fete, in Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, President Ruto opted to dedicate most of his speech to list the Kenya Kwanza administration's 'achievements, lauding his administration and calling out critics.
Ruto, stated that the country is not where it was a year ago, and that his administration has made progress in ensuring basic food commodities are affordable, inflation is lower and the shilling is stable. The head of state's claims on making life easier and better for Kenyans however have been met with criticism, with Citizens citing new punitive taxation measures introduced despite withdrawal of the Finance Bill.
President Ruto went ahead to Laud his administration's efforts towards achieving Universal Health Care, through the Social Health Authority, SHA. Ruto, stated that his administration has made health easier, affordable and seamless. Kenyans however have cited SHA system outages and hospitals turning down patients not paying in Cash as reason enough to disapprove of these sentiments.
Ruto, patted himself on the back once again, proud of his government for empowering Kenyans Financially. The head of state, cited the Hustler Fund Loans scheme.
" Financial inclusion is now a reality for millions of Kenyans. The Hustler Fund is marking its second anniversary on a highly successful note, having empowered Kenyans by lending a total of KSh60 billion so far, liberating millions from predatory lenders and precarious financial situations, enabling them to meet their needs, fund their hustles, and build their credit scores." Ruto Said.
However, he revealed Kenyans gave expressed concerns related to the short borrowing duration, modest loan amounts, and the time required to increase borrowing limits.
" In response to this feedback, the Fund has designed a new product, the Bridge Loan, to help Kenyans with good credit scores transition from personal loans to enhanced facilities offering larger loan amounts with longer repayment periods. This will enable Kenyans to pursue bigger opportunities and better investments." the President Stated.
Critics argue the Fund's real Purpose is not being met. The fund's sustainability crisis stems primarily from borrowers using the loans for household consumption rather than business development, with nearly 70% of small business owners using the microloans for household expenses and only 18.1% investing in their businesses.
The small loan amounts, ranging from Ksh500 ($3.9) to Ksh1,000 ($7.8), prove insufficient for meaningful business capital, contradicting the fund's intended purpose of helping "hustlers" escape poverty through entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, President Ruto lauded his administration's commitment to Youth empowerment through digital jobs and a diaspora jobs drive. However, with the high unemployment rate, more graduates each day, mass Layoffs and unfavorable business environment, the future looks bleak for the youth in the Country.
President William Ruto went ahead to condemn Citizens, media and Social media users who have been criticizing his administration, stating they have not been spreading 'factual information.
"In the face of undeniable evidence, skepticism must give way to confidence and we must reject the deceptive embrace of disinformation and fake news." Ruto said.
The President's Remarks come amid widespread objection to the Social Health scheme, the Affordable housing project and the government's plan to vaccinate cattle in the country.
His outburst, comes just days after he condemned Kenyans opposed to the Cattle vaccination plan, demanding they shut up because they, who have been loudest, do not own a cow or goat.
This Preceded his 'Those opposed to the Government's plan to lease Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have never been to an airport' remarks in Taita Taveta County.
Netizens have expressed discontent at the head of state's onslaught on Kenyans who have been expressing their freedom of speech.
Social media user's in the country argue that during a National fete such as the Independence day, the president should have based his speech more on the country's fore father's, freedom Fighters and not self congratulate himself.