I will deliver every promise I made to Kenyans – President Ruto vows

The President dismissed claims that he had over-promised Kenyans, saying the pledges he made will be fully implemented and are raising the country’s  ambition for transformation.

He pointed out that for far too long, both citizens and leaders have settled for average service delivery.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to implementing programmes and policies that will transform the country, saying he believes Kenya can achieve more than it currently has done.

“I have been accused of over-promising.

 It is not over-promising. We are raising our ambition as a nation,” he said. "We must stop being average. We must strive to be better and excellent."

President Ruto made the remarks at the Africa Inland Church (AIC) Bomani, Machakos, during the installation of Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo. 

AIC Presiding Bishop Abraham Mulwa led the religious ceremony.

The President said government programmes such as universal health coverage under the Social Health Authority (SHA), affordable housing, and job creation were beginning to take shape and Kenyans were reaping the benefits.

He explained that SHA, which is only nine months old, is providing more and better services than the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund ever did in its nearly 60-year history.

The President warned Levels 2, 3, and 4 hospitals against charging patients, saying SHA is fully paying for Primary Health Care servicesoffered at these facilities.

“This is a commitment I made, and it is one I intend to keep,” he said.

On affordable housing, President Ruto noted that various projects of 40,000 units are underway in Machakos County.

“People don’t believe it because they are used to average performance. We are raising the bar,” he said.

Regarding job creation, he pointed out that the Affordable Housing Programme has created 320,000 jobs, while 400,000 young Kenyans have travelled to work abroad through the labour mobility programme in the past two years.

“This country is changing,” he said.

The President told Kenyans that real change is never easy and is often met with resistance. He urged them not to listen to naysayers.

President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive development, saying no part of the country would be left behind.

He said the broad-based government is bringing Kenyans together and promoting unity.

The President emphasised that no region has more rights than another and that the government is focused on equity.

“I will not allow any part of the country to be left behind,” he said.

Saying the politics of discrimination has held Kenya back for decades, President Ruto said leaders must serve all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation.

He urged parents to  mentor their children so that the country can raise responsible citizens for the next generation.

Affirming that the government will play its role, President Ruto however called on parents, religious organisations, and society to take responsibility in raising children.

“As parents, clergy, and leaders, we must take responsibility if our children do the wrong thing,” he said.

The President told parents not to leave the responsibility of parenting their children to other forces, pointing out that police officers are trained to deal with criminals, not to raise children.

“If you surrender your children to the police, what do u expect? Every parent, including myself, should take time to parent their children,” he said. 

The President also warned leaders against using children to incite chaos and violence. He criticised those who rely on violence to push their political agenda, calling it "bad politics".

He challenged his political opponents to present an agenda to Kenyans and offer a real alternative.

“One term, Ruto must go is not an agenda. Get an agenda. Tell Kenyans what you will do better than I am already doing,” he said.

Other leaders present included Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, MPs and MCAs.