Ruto Declares Kenya’s Economy “on Sound Footing” Amid Unrelenting Public Discontent.

President William Ruto has mounted a robust defence of his economic agenda, asserting today that Kenya’s economy stands on “sound footing” as he brushed aside mounting criticism over cost-of-living pressures, youth-led protests, and debt concerns.

Speaking at State House, Ruto cited a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report placing Kenya as Africa’s sixth-largest economy, crediting wide-ranging reforms for the milestone. He told Kenyans:

“Let nobody lie to you. We are a great country. Not many countries can achieve what we have achieved, especially in housing, within just one and a half years.”

Ruto further declared, “Nothing is going to stop me from driving the transformation that will take Kenya where we’ve always wanted to go,” urging the public to recognize the necessity of difficult policy choices for long-term gains.

He acknowledged the sacrifices required—recalling the withdrawal of maize and fuel subsidies—but insisted these were essential to stabilize inflation, which he said declined from 9.6% in 2022 to 3.8% in 2025.

He underscored development milestones: farmland productivity increases, affordable housing, and universal healthcare rollout through the Social Health Authority, which now “touches the lives of many Kenyans,” including more than 23 million registered citizens.

Why This Statement Matters Now.

Escalating public unrest: Generation-Z-led protests continue unabated, spotlighting youth unemployment, economic hardship, and police brutality.

Investor sentiment shaken: Last week’s Reuters report revealed investors remain wary following excessive use of force against protesters  .Political clock ticking: With 2027 elections looming, Ruto needs economic wins to counter growing public dissent and regain momentum.

Ruto’s Reform Highlights

1. IMF-backed reforms – Formal recognition of Kenya as the continent’s sixth-largest economy.

2. Inflation control – Reported drop from 9.6% to 3.8%, easing pressure on households.

3. Social safety nets – Healthcare enrollment surges and affordable housing initiatives expand.

4. Agricultural turnaround – Maize subsidy cuts replaced by productivity growth and reduced import reliance. Challenges Ahead Despite Ruto’s optimism, critics point to persistent high food prices—such as maize flour and cooking oil—and the government’s tough stance on protests, which risks undermining his economic narrative with social unrest  .

Analysts insist that without visible improvements in household incomes and youth job creation, the economy’s “sound footing” may remain a rhetorical win—not a lived reality.—What Comes NextIn the short term:

Expect intensified policy messaging around economic data—GDP, savings rates, and inflation metrics.On the ground: Monitor how price pressures, especially on staple goods, evolve—and whether subsidy rollbacks prove sustainable.

Politically: Ruto must balance economic messaging with dialogue on police reform and youth engagement to reassure a fractious electorate ahead of the 2027 vote.—As Kenya grapples with balancing transformation and turmoil, President Ruto stakes his credibility on a bold narrative: the economy is stable, and progress is underway.

The question now is whether that message will resonate where it matters most—in the pockets and hearts of ordinary Kenyans.

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