President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to be vigilant against fake news that undermines development, democracy, and national stability for the sake of political interests.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Lang’ata, Nairobi County, the President emphasized that much of the opposition against his government is fueled by misinformation.
“We are at a stage in social development where digital technologies can amplify disinformation and distort facts,” he cautioned. He urged critics to engage in constructive dialogue based on truth rather than misleading the public. “If we allow these negative trends to continue, we risk jeopardizing our freedom, democracy, and development,” he stated.
The event, which featured Gambian President Adama Barrow as the chief guest, also showcased a military parade known as the Trooping of the Colour. Notable attendees included Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and various leaders from across the political spectrum.
President Ruto outlined the government’s achievements in economic transformation, asserting that despite the false narratives surrounding development, tangible progress is being made. He noted that the economy is stable, the cost of living has decreased, and inflation is at its lowest in 17 years. “When we say that basic food prices have fallen, it is a fact. Our farmers are producing more, and Kenyans enrolled in Taifa Care are receiving better services,” he emphasized.
Highlighting job creation as a key component of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, President Ruto revealed that 200,000 jobs have been generated through Affordable Housing Programs, with 243,000 Kenyans securing international employment since September 2022. He acknowledged the contributions of micro, small, and medium enterprises, which have created 840,000 jobs this year.
The President also shared that Taifa Care has registered 11 million Kenyans under the Social Health Authority in just two months, marking an unprecedented scale of public service delivery in the country’s history. Additionally, 107,000 community health promoters have been engaged to enhance universal healthcare access.
In terms of digital initiatives, President Ruto announced plans to connect 74,000 public institutions with fiber optics and digitize 20,855 public services, positioning digital transformation as a critical driver of opportunity across all sectors.
He reported significant progress in the affordable housing sector, with 1,200 units completed and 124,000 more in various stages of development, projecting that these projects will create one million jobs over the next four years.
The President highlighted Kenya’s food security efforts, noting surplus production of staple foods, including 95 million bags of maize, 9 million bags of beans, and 10 million bags of wheat. “We are building a food-secure Kenya where every family can access a meal,” he affirmed.
He also discussed the establishment of special economic zones, which have attracted 80 companies in the last two years, generating 14,000 jobs. Upcoming projects in Busia, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Eldoret, Kwale, and Nakuru are expected to create an additional 30,000 jobs.
Furthermore, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the creative industry, announcing plans for a transparent, real-time system for royalty collection. He condemned the current situation where artists earn as little as KSh10,000 annually while those collecting royalties profit significantly.
Lastly, he revealed that Kenya is bidding to host the 2026 World Creative Economy Conference, showcasing the nation’s leadership in the creative sector.
