GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN HIGHLIGHTS KEY ACHIEVEMENTS OF PRESIDENT RUTO'S ADMINISTRATION IN ADDRESS TO THE NATION.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
In a press address today at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Government Spokesman Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, CBS, outlined the significant progress made by President William Ruto's administration over the past year. Dr. Mwaura provided a comprehensive update on the government’s transformative BETA PLAN, designed to boost economic empowerment across key sectors such as agriculture, affordable housing, healthcare, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the country’s digital infrastructure.
Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura addressing the Media on Monday December 23rd at the Kenyatta International Convention Center
Economic Stability and Tourism Growth
Dr. Mwaura commended the government's efforts in maintaining economic stability despite global challenges. He highlighted the strategic debt management policies, including the timely repayment of the Eurobond, which have contributed to Kenya’s financial resilience. One of the standout sectors, tourism, saw a remarkable rise in visitor numbers from 1.48 million to 2.5 million, largely driven by the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, further solidifying Kenya's economic recovery.
Record Agricultural Output
Agriculture has emerged as a key area of success for the administration, with Dr. Mwaura sharing that fertilizer subsidies were instrumental in reducing costs from Ksh 7,500 to Ksh 2,500 per 50kg bag. This led to record harvests, including 95 million bags of maize, 10 million bags of wheat, and 2 million bags of rice. These results not only enhanced food security but also reduced Kenya’s dependency on food imports.
Affordable Housing Program
The government’s Affordable Housing Program also made significant strides, with 124,000 housing units under construction and nearly 5,000 already available for sale. The initiative has provided over 200,000 jobs, and is expected to create an additional 1 million jobs in the coming years, further contributing to Kenya’s economic development.
Healthcare Access and Empowering Communities
Dr. Mwaura highlighted the administration’s advancements in healthcare, including the registration of 16.5 million Kenyans under the Taifa Care initiative, as well as the deployment of over 107,000 Community Health Promoters. These efforts have significantly expanded healthcare access to households across the country, aligning with the administration’s goals for universal healthcare coverage.
Supporting Entrepreneurs and Digital Growth
The Hustler Fund, which has disbursed over Ksh 60 billion to entrepreneurs, was another area of focus, as it has provided vital financial support to thousands of small businesses. Meanwhile, Kenya’s digital transformation saw substantial progress with the expansion of the digital superhighway, connecting more than 13,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across the country. The e-Citizen portal now offers over 20,855 digitized government services, streamlining service delivery and enhancing revenue generation.
Dr. Mwaura concluded the address by praising the government's holistic approach to economic empowerment, emphasizing that these initiatives are designed to create sustainable opportunities for Kenyans, especially at the grassroots level. As the year progresses, the administration remains committed to driving forward these key areas of development for a prosperous future for all citizens.
