Ruto defends SHIF in veiled attack on ousted DP Gachagua

It is jubilation and joy for 87-year-old Drisilla Jumwa from Mwanguwi after her house was connected to electricity when President William Ruto launched the launched the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project. President said the government is investisng Sh1.1 billion to connect 9,000 households in Taita Taveta County to power, including 900 beneficiaries from Wundanyi Constituency. [PCS, Standard]

President William Ruto yesterday drummed up support for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) while attacking those he said were preaching divisive and tribal politics.

In what could be seen as a veiled attack against his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, Ruto stated that he had decided to establish a broad-based government to end the politics of tribalism, hatred, and deceit.

He said that leaders who sought to divide the citizens had no place in Kenya and that his government would not be distracted from delivering its promises. He urged Kenyans to ignore naysayers and support his economic plan.

“The broad-based government is aimed at ending tribalism, which has been deeply rooted in the country. That is why I have decided to work with the opposition to unite all Kenyans and end divisive politics, tribalism, and politics of deceit and hatred.

“Those preaching divisive politics have no place in modern Kenya. We are working with the opposition to unite all Kenyans for faster socio-economic development,” said Ruto yesterday in Taita Taveta.

The President held nine events in the county yesterday, where he launched several projects and addressed rallies in Taveta and Wundanyi sub-counties. Today, he will officiate at the groundbreaking ceremony for a Sh11 billion steel factory in Wundanyi.

He urged all Kenyans to register themselves to receive free healthcare services in public hospitals under the Afya Yangu programme.

Ruto warned health facilities against turning away Kenyans seeking treatment in public hospitals.

“We have passed laws and policies to streamline healthcare services. Your role is to register, as the government provides drugs and equipment in hospitals. If you don’t register, how will the government assist you?” he asked.

Ruto also urged county governments to pay the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority the Sh2 billion they owe, so it can release drugs to public hospitals.

“Persistent shortages of drugs, medical personnel, and equipment remain a major challenge in the country. We must ensure that these drugs and equipment are available in our public hospitals to provide quality healthcare services,” he said.

In Wundanyi town, he launched the rural electrification project under the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy programme. He also opened the 33/11KV Wundanyi Substation before heading to Taveta.

He said the Sh370 million project would enhance the quality of power supply in the area and end frequent power blackouts in the Taita sub-county.

He added that the government had allocated Sh1.1 billion for electricity connections in the county. “We have six ongoing projects to connect 800 people to electricity. In the next year, more than 9,000 people will be connected to electricity in the region to stimulate economic growth and investment,” he said.

Ruto announced Sh832 million for rural electrification, with nine Wundanyi projects costing Sh147 million, benefiting 8,292 people.

In the past two years, Ruto stated that his government had employed 56,000 teachers. He added that by the end of this month, an additional 20,000 tutors would be hired, bringing the total number of teachers to 76,000.

Ruto further stated that his administration would employ 110,000 teachers before 2027. He also defended the university funding model.

“The university model will provide 95 percent bursary support to poor students joining Technical Vocational Education and Training institutions and universities.’’