KENYAN President William Ruto's administration is under siege with the young people, the Clergy, Human Rights Groups and the Citizenry uniting to call out the government for it's shortcomings.
Skepticism has reigned supreme with conspiracy theorists having a field day spinning yarns, at each Initiave launched by the President's administration.
Ruto is fronting politicians to campaign for Kenya-kwanza initiative's, yet the public has a deficiency of trust on the political class in the East African Country.
A recent poll revealed that only 1% of Kenyans trust President William Ruto and his entire administration, way from his deputy, Cabinet and leaders affiliated to the Leading United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA). This means no matter how noble a government program is, it is bound to be resisted by the public.
The more the government compels the Public while trying to Enforce Affordable Housing, the Social Health Authority and other initiaves, the more the public gets doubtful.
Two years since the General elections, Mr Ruto, once a darling to many, is loathed by the same die-hard fans he once commanded. The same people who endorsed his presidency are now chanting, 'Ruto Must Go' citing insecurity, high cost of living, Corruption, Biased Nominations to state agencies among other issues.
His administration's alleged abductions and crackdown of social media activists opposed to his government's initiatives, has only fuelled the heat.
President Ruto is facing persistent challenges from an increasingly activist Generation Z population with the Young Kenyans demanding higher standards of governance and showing little tolerance for corruption.
The government is particularly struggling with cyber-activism, where young people are using social media platforms to criticize state initiatives, spread information about government activities, and organize protests. This has led to what officials term as "cyber-bullying" aimed at delegitimizing his administration's actions.
The movement's impact has extended internationally, with activists gathering over 10,000 signatures opposing the Dutch royals' planned visit to Kenya.
It has also fueled appeals to the International Criminal Court, prompting the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express concern over "cyber activities spreading misinformation."
One of the most contentious topic among common Mwananchi is the rising cost of living, which Kenyans have opined is reason enough why 'Ruto Must Go'.
The head of state has more than once stated that the country is on the right trajectory, citing a Stable Shilling, Affordable Housing, Foreign Reserves, lower inflation and Universal Health Coverage under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
However, Citizens allege the impact of the said initiaves is not being felt on the ground. With companies laying off employees or closing shop over punitive taxation measures, increased deductions on PAYE and a failing health insurance scheme in SHA that replaced the NHIF.
The Social Health Insurance Fund, Marred by system outages, Patients have been forced to offset their hospital bills from their own pockets, despite government's promise of Better, Universal Health Coverage.
The Kenya-Kwanza administration's Proposed Public - Private - Partnership deals shrouded by mystery have also been under scrutiny. With the now cancelled proposed lease of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kenya's Power transmission company to Indian Multiconglomerate Adani Group tainting Ruto's image after Adani was implicated in Graft.
The President's efforts to lure the youth on his side seem slippery, with high unemployment becoming a major hindrance.
According to a world bank report, Kenya's unemployment rate will increase this year due to a sluggish economy that seems to stagnate and limited job opportunities in the country.
Still, there is little encouragement for the educated youth to become entrepreneurs. Too many bureaucratic obstacles, combined with financial constraints, corruption, nepotism, and political instability, are also discouraging entrepreneurial pursuits.
These also prevent small and medium enterprises from expanding and creating lucrative job opportunities for the educated youth.
However, Ruto and Leaders affiliated to the Kenya-Kwanza administration opine otherwise, urging the Citizenry to give the government more time to deliver on its promises.
In his new years eve address at Kisii State Lodge, on December 31, 2024, President Ruto acknowledged last year, 2024, was a challenging year for the Country but noted Kenyans did more than endure, stood together in unity, worked with determination, and overcame these obstacles.
" In 2024, our nation faced serious challenges and great difficulties, but because we are Kenyans, an indomitable, courageous, and enterprising people unafraid of hard work, because we are resilient champions who strive to win and face every challenge with dedication and stamina, we achieved progress despite significant difficulties." Ruto said.
Ruto, revealed his administration had to make Sacrifices for the Greater Good of the country, as it embarked on it's fulfillment of the Bottom-up- Economic Transformation Agenda.
" We had to find ways of mobilising sufficient revenue to finance all our obligations, provide services inclusively and consistently, and invest in development.
This called for tough decisions, not just to reduce waste and increase efficiency in the mobilisation and utilisation of public finances but also to promote broader compliance with our civic obligations to pay taxes whenever they fall due." He Said.
The President, claimed that his Government has succeeded in laying a solid foundation for even faster progress in the coming year.
Ruto, Cited the Kenyan shilling appreciation and Stabilisation as one of the Key Macroeconomic indicator of the Country's Progress.
" The Shilling, which began the year on a subdued note, has appreciated significantly, strengthening from KSh165 to the dollar in February 2024 to KSh129 today, making it one of the world’s best-performing currencies." He said.
Additionally, the head of state noted the Inflation has fallen to record lows, another positive reason to look forward to a great future.
" Inflation, a key indicator of economic health, has fallen from 9.6% in September 2022 to 2.7% in October 2024, the lowest level in nearly two decades." Ruto stated.
He revealed foreign exchange reserves have surged by $2.4 billion to reach $9.5 billion, providing five months of import cover and insulating the Kenyan economy from external shocks.
" Our economy continues to outpace global trends, growing at 5.6% in 2023, positioning us among the world’s fastest-growing economies." Said Ruto.
The President, noted these are just some of the reasons Citizens of the East African Country Should look forward to a great 2025.
" In light of the outcomes of our collective determination and efforts, we have every reason to approach the new year with optimism and a renewed commitment, not only to work harder and achieve greater progress but also to transform ourselves and turn every challenge into an opportunity to do more and to do better." He said.
The head of State, said that Kenyans will have the Opportunity to enjoy the fruits of his administrations hardwork this new year.
" In 2025, the seeds we have patiently and carefully planted will continue to germinate and grow. The progress we have made has set us firmly on a path of rapid and sustainable growth."
As a result, we can anticipate stronger economic performance, more jobs for our youth, and higher incomes for farmers and entrepreneurs." He said.
Ruto noted his administration expects more investments will mature this year, leading to a considerable expansion of the country's manufacturing sector and an increase in exports.
" The reforms we have implemented in both basic and higher education will also come to fruition, providing new momentum and focus for the entire education sector. In 2025, Taifa Care will approach optimal performance, offering significant relief to households by reducing the burden of healthcare costs and delivering enhanced benefits through an efficient, inclusive, and high-quality public healthcare system." Said Ruto.
" In 2025, we will be busier at school and at work, better nourished, safer, more secure, and with more money in our pockets." Ruto assured Kenyans.
The Head of State, added that his administration will also hold productive national conversations to empower Kenyan youth. " We will continue to work hard and deliver greater progress, becoming better equipped to tackle our challenges." He added.
However, with Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) emerging as a key electoral force, a JULISHA MEDIA political analyst warns that their growing dissatisfaction with issues like unemployment, corruption and unfulfilled campaign promises coupled with 'Ruto Must Go' calls, could significantly influence the 2027 elections in Kenya.