Ruto hints at a more inclusive government in the coming year

 

President William Ruto is welcomed to Koiwa AIC church service by Bomet Diocese AIC Reverend Hezron Korir on Dec 29, 2024. [PCS]

President William Ruto yesterday pledged to broaden his government by reaching out to more opposition leaders next year.

The President made this statement while cautioning against reckless negativity.

Speaking at Koiwa AIC Church in Konoin Sub-county on Sunday during a church service, President Ruto emphasised his commitment to continue reaching out to all Kenyans in the spirit of national unity.

He said political competition and rivalry should never be allowed to block national interests.

“I will continue to reach out to Kenyans of all walks of life, regardless of their ideological persuasion, to maximise the cross-pollination of the flower of our Republic and guarantee robust seeds for future seasons,” Ruto said.

READ: Why broad-based government offers a promise of unity

“We must promote inclusion and broaden our platform for collective engagement to allow the articulation of diverse viewpoints and the expression of fresh, new, and bold approaches,” he added.

“We must remember that, whatever else sets us apart, we are united by a desire to achieve the best for Kenya and its people.”

He noted that although there had been a tussle between the government and the opposition at the beginning of the year, the year ends with them united under a broad-based government.

Ruto emphasised that every Kenyan has a role to play in ensuring the country moves forward, and there is no time for blame or finger-pointing.

“We do not have the luxury of blame game or pointing fingers. We should all secure the future of our children. It is our responsibility,” he stated.

At the same time, the President called for concerted efforts to nurture the youth as they navigate through turbulent times.

He said parents, religious leaders, and politicians have a role to play in securing a meaningful future for the youth.

“The youth need mentorship and guidance as they chart their future,” he added. “We should care about the next generation. We should educate them, provide mentorship, and guide them. We must not let them fall into traps, such as drugs and femicide.”

Despite the many challenges, the President noted that significant progress had been made. While things began slowly, many development projects are now ongoing.

He highlighted that at least 200 markets and 140,000 houses under the affordable housing programme were under construction.

He also pointed out that the government’s programme to ensure food security had borne fruit, with no maize imports required this year, as local farmers had produced enough.

Earnings from tea sales, he said, had increased from Sh180 billion in 2023 to Sh210 billion in 2024.

“We have seen God’s hand and blessing this year, and that is why, on this last Sunday of 2024, we want to be grateful to God for what He has done for us as a nation,” he said.

ALSO READ: Broad-based government litmus test for Ruto and Raila

Ruto also noted that the government had launched the universal health coverage programme under Taifa Care, which now covers everyone, including children. He urged parents to register their children as schools re-open.

He said those who had cast doubt on the SHA programme would soon realise the government was serious.

He announced that the government had procured fertiliser under the subsidised programme. At least 1.5 million bags of fertiliser were already in government stores, with another seven million bags expected by February 2025.

The President authorised the construction of a 500-bed capacity dormitory at Konoin Technical Training Institute. He said additional workshops would also be built at a cost of Sh30 billion, urging MPs to approve his proposal once it is tabled in Parliament.

Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei pledged to support the President in the fight against corruption.

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai and several legislators attended the service.