In his State of the Nation address delivered on November 21, 2024, President William Ruto highlighted at least 10 key issues that reflect the government’s priorities and ongoing challenges.
These issues encompass economic policies, social reforms, and governance efforts, and they indicate a concerted attempt to address the pressing concerns of Kenyans.
Here are the 10 key issues addressed in Ruto’s speech:
Economic recovery and stability
Ruto emphasized the positive turnaround of the Kenyan economy, marked by key macroeconomic indicators.
The stabilization of the Kenyan shilling and reduction of inflation to historically low levels were noted as crucial achievements.
The president attributed this recovery to strategic government interventions aimed at promoting economic growth and enhancing fiscal space.
“Today, I am proud to report that all macro-economic indicators point to a positive turnaround and an upward trajectory… [the shilling] has stabilized significantly, appreciating from Ksh162 to the dollar in February 2024, to Ksh129 today,” Ruto said.
Food security initiatives
A significant emphasis was placed on food production and security.
Ruto reported the successful distribution of subsidized fertilizers to millions of farmers, resulting in increased agricultural yields.
The administration’s policy shift aimed at supporting production rather than subsidizing consumption is expected to alleviate food shortages and promote self-reliance.
“Since February, we have distributed subsidized fertilizer to 6.45 million registered farmers in 45 counties. We are building a food-secure Kenya where families need to worry less about their next meal,” Ruto noted.
Education sector reforms
The president addressed the previous crises in the education sector, specifically the challenges associated with the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum.
He announced the hiring of additional teachers and measures to facilitate smoother transitions for learners, including significant funding reforms for higher education.
“By 2022, the education sector was in crisis. We have already hired 56,000 teachers and are in the process of recruiting another 20,000 by January 2025,” he remarked.
Universal health coverage
Ruto highlighted the commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), detailing recent legislative reforms and the establishment of the Social Health Insurance Act.
The initiative aims to provide equitable healthcare access for all Kenyans, particularly the vulnerable while improving efficiency in service delivery through digitization and reforms.
“I signed into law four groundbreaking legislations that establish the Social Health Authority, which oversees three essential funds this modern framework ensures that every Kenyan, especially the most vulnerable, can access quality healthcare services,” Ruto emphasized the importance of health reforms.
Affordable housing program
The president discussed the urgent need for affordable housing in Kenya, addressing the housing deficit and the economic implications of urbanization.
He announced the launch of housing projects aimed at producing thousands of new units across the country to ensure that housing becomes accessible to all.
“To protect agriculture and food security from the effects of uncontrolled land fragmentation, urbanisation must be planned and controlled the affordable housing programme is therefore a vital component of integrated land use planning,” Ruto highlighted.
Job creation and labour migration
In his State of the Nation address, Ruto highlighted job creation as a key priority, particularly through labour migration initiatives that have enabled over 100,000 Kenyans to secure employment abroad.
The president emphasized the success of these efforts, noting that they align with broader objectives to expand economic opportunities and effectively harness the nation’s human resources.
“Since July 2023, we have successfully facilitated employment for 105,367 Kenyans across multiple countries in a wide range of jobs. The National Employment Authority currently has a roll of over 560,000 job openings worldwide,” he stated.
Combatting corruption and promoting accountability
Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption by automating government services and enhancing revenue collection.
He urged legislative bodies to expedite anti-corruption measures and criticized inefficiencies within judicial processes related to corruption cases.
“Wastage, corruption and abuse of office are grave risks to national transformation… I have championed the automation and digitisation of government services to promote transparency and seal loopholes,” he remarked.
In his speech, Ruto also announced the cancellation of Adani’s JKIA and KETRACO deals amid corruption concerns.
Gender-based violence and women’s rights
In response to increasing cases of gender-based violence, Ruto called for a collective societal effort to address this pressing issue.
He acknowledged the concerns of women’s rights activists and committed to implementing supportive measures to improve safety and equality for women in Kenya.
“I am aware that most of the cases of murder of women by men have been investigated and prosecuted. We must seriously question the drivers and motives of resistance and reluctance to take the next step in actualising the two-third gender rule,” he said.
To deal with the menace, Ruto said he has tasked Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to recommend radical affirmative actions within six months.
Democracy and public engagement
Ruto reaffirmed the government’s dedication to democratic principles, emphasizing the importance of public participation in governance.
He acknowledged the citizens’ right to protest and called for a distinction between lawful expressions of dissent and criminal activities, which reflect a commitment to safeguarding civil liberties during politically volatile moments.
“Democracy is a hard-won, non-negotiable right protests are always legitimate and permitted by the Constitution protests conducted by citizens who are peaceful and unarmed,” he remarked.
Environmental sustainability and urban planning
Acknowledging the rapid urbanization of Kenya, Ruto called for integrated urban planning to ensure that growth does not result in unsustainable living conditions.
He highlighted the need for economic development that does not compromise environmental sustainability, aiming for a future characterized by livable and safe communities.
“Kenya has a serious housing deficit, supplying the number of units required to fill the affordable housing gap requires us to undertake construction throughout the country at a rate of 200,000 new units every year, for 10 years,” he said.
In conclusion, President Ruto’s State of the Nation address showcased a holistic approach to national development, focusing on economic revitalization, social equity, and accountable governance.
Ruto’s speech highlighted his administration’s objectives to improve the livelihoods of Kenyans and secure a better future for the nation.