President William Ruto has called on Kenyan leaders to shift their focus from divisive politics to economic development, saying the country’s progress depends on policies that create jobs, lower the cost of living and improve the livelihoods of citizens.
Speaking at State House in Nairobi while hosting private security guards, the president urged citizens to invest more effort in economic growth, job creation and national development rather than dedicating excessive time to politics.
The president also announced the launch of a national conversation next week, during which citizens will discuss the country’s long-term development and economic prosperity.
“Next week, we will begin a discussion with Kenyans about the economy and development. We have talked about politics for many years, but politics cannot reduce the cost of living. It is the economy and development that will make Kenya a country we can be proud of,” he said.
Ruto said the dialogue would give Kenyans an opportunity to collectively shape the country’s economic future by exploring ways to grow the economy, create more jobs and improve living standards.
“We should have a discussion and agree on how we can achieve development in Kenya and grow the economy. If we grow the economy and drive development, more jobs will be created and the cost of living will come down,” the president said.
However, the president criticised the opposition for continuously attacking government programmes without providing solutions to the country’s challenges.
“I have said that the way to reduce the cost of food is to lower the price of fertiliser, reduce the cost of electricity and improve agriculture. What is their plan?” he asked.
He highlighted several projects undertaken by the government, citing employment opportunities created through digital jobs and the affordable housing programme.
“I have put in place an employment plan for Kenya. Through affordable housing, I have created 800,000 job opportunities; through digital jobs, 300,000; and through overseas employment, I have created 580,000. Where will those trying to compete with me create jobs from?” he said.
In addition, the president emphasised that leadership should focus on finding practical solutions to challenges affecting ordinary Kenyans, including unemployment, food insecurity and the rising cost of living.
The president also highlighted his administration’s efforts to ease the cost of living by lowering the prices of farm inputs, increasing agricultural production and expanding access to affordable healthcare through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
– By Regan Oluoch
