Perform or else...What Ruto CSs pledged to deliver for the country

President William Ruto during a cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi on 14/11/2024.  [EDWARD ALUSA]

The Cabinet has committed to ambitious development goals, promising President Ruto to construct 10 stadiums by the end of this year, irrigate 800,000 acres, and deliver anti-retroviral therapy (ART) to 1.36 million people.

These promises, outlined in a document titled Consolidated Commitments from the Ministerial Performance Contracts, also include delivering 161,000 housing units, constructing 755 kilometres of roads, and issuing a Diaspora Bond to boost the economy.

With two years remaining before Ruto seeks re-election, these commitments are crucial to his administration’s development track record.

“Success requires all institutions to fight corruption without hiding behind the guise of independence,” Ruto remarked during his State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday.

Public service reforms

Acting Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi pledged to enhance public service delivery, promising reforms to make government services more accessible. This commitment comes amid criticism of the ministry’s handling of abductions and human rights abuses during the Gen Z demonstrations. Police reforms are also high on the agenda, with a new strategic framework set to align policing with public safety priorities.

“It includes implementing reforms in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and NYS as per the strategic framework,” said Mudavadi, listing targets that include operationalising 336 administrative units, issuing passports in seven days, and improving work permit processing times.

Education overhaul

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba expressed determination to tackle long-standing challenges in Kenya’s education system, bringing a fresh wave of optimism. Speaking directly to President Ruto, Ogamba outlined ambitious plans for the 2024/ 2025 fiscal year, including the construction of 11,000 classrooms, the opening of new technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centres, and providing school meals to 2.6 million learners across the country

“The Ministry commits to release capitation grants within 7 days of Exchequer receipt to 12,601,117 learners and 265,845 trainees in TVET in the FY 2024/2025,” the CS said.

A major focus will be ensuring the timely disbursement of capitation grants to 12.6 million students and trainees, with special attention to vulnerable groups. ICT interns are set to boost digital literacy in schools, and Sh9.1 billion will be allocated to 6.4 million learners in public primary schools. Secondary school students will receive Sh59.8 billion, while the TVET sector will benefit from Sh5.2 billion, covering 265,845 trainees.

The ministry is ramping up efforts to promote inclusivity and equity, with 2.6 million learners in arid and semi arid areas and informal settlements to receive hot meals, ensuring they stay in school. The enrollment of learners with special needs will be increased by 2,000, bringing the total to 127,022. A university competence-based education framework will be developed, and ICT will be integrated to strengthen education.

Food security and agriculture

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Mwihia Karanja laid out a bold plan to address food insecurity, saying “the ministry will distribute 12.5 million bags of subsidised fertiliser and install 220 milk coolers to support dairy farmers.”

Other initiatives include introducing a quality-based milk payment system and launching livestock restocking programmes for farmers affected by drought.

The Kenya Leather Industrial Park will be completed, and efforts will be made to collect quality hides and skins for local manufacturers. Livestock farmers will benefit from subsidised sexed semen, which will lower costs from Sh8,000 to Sh2,900. A national breed improvement programme aims to bring superior livestock genetics to rural areas.

In addition to these measures, 65,334 animals will be distributed to 10,208 households in 16 counties, offering hope to farmers affected by drought and floods. The fertiliser subsidy programme will continue, with 12.5 million bags of fertiliser set to be distributed by June 2025. Furthermore, nine new grain storage facilities will be built to preserve food and reduce post-harvest losses.

“The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to drive progress by scaling up successful initiatives, exploring new opportunities for sector development, and maintaining alignment with the BETA agenda,” said Karanja.

Transport CS Davis Chirchir said that the Ministry of Roads and Transport has outlined four key commitments aimed at transforming Kenya’s transport landscape, with a focus on improving mobility for citizens and boosting economic growth.

The ministry is driving the expansion of air services by negotiating and ratifying Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with Latvia, Venezuela and Tanzania. These agreements will unlock new travel routes and provide vital access to international cargo markets, benefiting both businesses and travellers.

On the ground, the ministry is enhancing port services. The Dongo Kundu First Berth, a critical project for the Mombasa Special Economic Zone, is under construction and will support the handling of motor vehicles and cargo. Meanwhile, Shimoni Port is nearing completion with the addition of a jetty, a fish processing plant, security systems and an access road — all part of a broader effort to boost Kenya’s maritime infrastructure.

In Nairobi, the ministry is advancing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, with Lines 2 and 4 set to improve public transport efficiency across the city, making daily commutes smoother for thousands of residents.

He said the ministry is investing heavily in road infrastructure, with 751.34 kilometers of new roads planned across KeNHA, KeRRA and KURA. In addition, it is committed to maintaining over 41,000 kilometers of existing roads, ensuring safer and more reliable journeys for Kenyans everywhere.

Housing and urban development

Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has promised to build 66,155 affordable housing units and issue 280,000 title deeds across counties. The ministry will digitise land records in Mombasa, Isiolo and Marsabit, and open four new land registries to simplify property transactions.

With over 66,000 affordable housing units and 52,000 social housing units planned, the ministry aims to address the growing demand for safe and affordable housing. In addition, 127 markets will be constructed to bring vital infrastructure to urban areas and open new opportunities for trade.

The ministry will also settle 16,000 households across 10 counties, improving their livelihoods and securing their futures. Property transfers and title deeds will be processed within three days, and charges will be registered within 24 hours in Nairobi and Murang’a.

Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development,

CS Beatrice Askul said they are focused on enhancing trade and market access for Kenyan goods by negotiating EAC Free Trade Area Agreements with the UK, UAE and Pakistan. The ministry promotes deeper EAC integration, including pooled procurement for medicinal products and supporting Kenya’s legislative agenda. It works on regional frameworks for stranded migrants and coordinates cultural events like Kiswahili Language Day. Efforts also focus on improving the Northern Corridor, supporting private sector growth, and advancing socio-economic development in ASAL regions, including providing relief to drought-affected populations.

Water and Irrigation Expansion

The youngest CS, Eric Muuga, told Ruto that he has several projects aimed at improving Kenya’s water infrastructure. The ministry plans to increase paddy rice production by 9.14 per cent to 250,000 tonnes, which will help reduce rice costs, support local farmers, and generate Sh23 billion. Expanding irrigation by 5.5 per cent to 773,069 acres and harvesting 166.7 million cubic metres of water will boost food production and help farmers manage crops more efficiently.

Raising national water coverage to 74.5 per cent will connect 2.5 million people to clean water, while expanding sanitation access to 35 per cent will provide 100,000 households with safer services. Reducing Non-Revenue Water from 43 per cent to 40 per cent will recover Sh2 billion, leading to more efficient water use and improved infrastructure.

Engaging the Diaspora

Mr Mudavadi, who also heads the Foreign Affairs ministry, said that the government is also focusing on leveraging the Kenyan diaspora for economic growth. Efforts include launching an investment strategy and issuing a Diaspora Bond to attract foreign remittances. The Ministry will host a remittance conferences and establish safe houses for vulnerable Kenyan workers in Qatar and Thailand. Additionally, international job placement opportunities will be expanded through bilateral agreements.

Healthcare Goals

Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Mlongo Barasa pledged to operationalise 50 primary care networks as part of universal healthcare expansion. The ministry plans to train 10,000 community health promoters and increase the number of people on ARTs to 1.365 million. The government will also increase the national blood supply to 400,000 units and develop local capacity to manufacture health products.

In addition to these efforts, the ministry plans to revamp the medical equipment acquisition system and roll out universal health coverage. A new strategy for managing healthcare workers and improving maternal health is also on the cards. The government’s target is to increase deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants from 72 to 75 per cent.

Energy and Petroleum

Energy Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi prioritised the review of the National Energy Policy 2018, aiming to accelerate the completion of energy projects and ensure the country meets its energy needs through a clean, sustainable, and affordable mix.

Geothermal exploration is a key focus, with ongoing studies to tap into this untapped resource. The government is also working on increasing electricity connections and implementing the Power Generation and Transmission Masterplan (2025-2045), which will guide energy infrastructure development in Kenya.

Promoting Gender Equity and Arts

Gender and Culture ministry prioritised addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices. The ministry will roll out economic empowerment initiatives targeting women and support creative industries through programmes like the National Music Symposium. A policy to address violence against women is also nearing completion.

Labour and Social Protection

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua plans to revamp social safety nets, including expanding the Inua Jamii programme to support the elderly and orphans. The ministry is also working on policies to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Public Service and Governance

The Ministry of Public Service will introduce a medical insurance scheme for civil servants and train 300 mental health champions. A Human Resource Information System will streamline payroll processes across government agencies, boosting efficiency.

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife

CS Rebecca Miano said that her ministry plans to restore vital wildlife corridors, develop a new National Wildlife Strategy, and strengthen international partnerships. Fighting poaching and improving human-wildlife conflict management are top priorities, alongside boosting domestic tourism to 5 million bed-nights.

In 15 counties, the ministry will showcase exciting new tourism niches like agri-tourism and cultural experiences, while raising awareness about conservation. Efforts to tackle waste and enhance beach safety at Tiwi Beach, Kwale, will create a safer, cleaner environment for visitors. The Ministry is also setting ambitious goals: 2.5 million tourist arrivals and KShs 430 billion in tourism earnings, with a renewed focus on engagement and campaigns in emerging markets.

Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Commitments

Aden Duale explained that ministry is taking bold steps to protect and restore Kenya’s ecosystems. It will manage 2.6 million hectares of forests, plant 1.5 billion trees and rehabilitate 10,000 hectares of degraded land, including vital mangrove and forest areas. These efforts are aimed at reversing environmental damage and boosting biodiversity.

To foster sustainable growth, the ministry will establish 50,000 hectares of agroforestry and forestry enterprises, alongside producing 100,000kg of tree seeds through research. This initiative supports both conservation and economic development.

In the fight against climate change, the ministry will track ozone-depleting substances, launch the National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism, and engage in key international environmental forums to shape global solutions.

It will also push forward crucial regulations on waste management and forestry, while negotiating agreements on plastic pollution and chemical waste. To drive progress, it will organise donor roundtables and actively participate in regional environmental discussions.

“The ministry will coordinate the growing of 1.50 billion trees and production of 1.58 billion seedlings by various stakeholders,” said Duale.