By Billy Mijungu
As President William Ruto approaches the mid-point of his term, the canvas of his legacy is being painted with ambitious strokes, each project aiming to reshape Kenya’s socio-economic landscape. His efforts have sparked praise and criticism in equal measure, yet they remain undeniably transformative. From affordable housing to agricultural reform, Ruto’s agenda is bold, but the real test lies in perfecting the foundation he has laid.
Affordable Housing: Homes for the People
The affordable housing initiative, a cornerstone of Ruto’s presidency, shows early success. House prices are stabilising, reflecting increased supply and competitive market dynamics. Employment in construction and related industries is climbing, fueling optimism. However, the spectre of land hoarding by brokers looms large, stalling momentum. The government must tackle this challenge by enforcing stringent land-use policies and incentivising landowners to release plots for development.
To sustain this revolution, the mortgage sector must expand rapidly. With projections of 500,000 to a million mortgages in the coming years, financial institutions need robust frameworks to accommodate new borrowers. The ripple effect on economic stability—already supported by an inflation rate of 2.7%, the lowest in 30 years—will be profound.
Health Reforms: A New Dawn for Universal Coverage
The transition from NHIF to SHIF under the State Health Authority (SHA) is groundbreaking. By pooling contributions and channelling them into public health facilities, the government is reshaping healthcare delivery. However, to realize its full potential, Ruto must take bold steps: integrate all state officers into the SHIF system and suspend private medical insurance schemes funded by public budgets. This would centralize resources, reduce administrative costs, and ensure equity in service delivery.
Agriculture: Beyond Subsidies
Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and Ruto’s subsidies on fertilizers are a step in the right direction. However, the sector needs more than subsidies. Mechanization, technology integration, and value addition through cottage industries are the keys to unlocking its potential. These efforts would not only bolster food security but also employ Kenya’s youth, who comprise 80% of the population.
Water provision—both for households and industrial agriculture—must be a priority. Without addressing irrigation challenges, Kenya’s agricultural renaissance will remain incomplete.
Education: Back to Basics
The president’s attention must turn to education, the bedrock of the nation’s future. Early childhood and primary school infrastructure require urgent investment. The commercialization of education has eroded public trust, and reclaiming it will demand raising standards in public schools.
Junior secondary schools, introduced under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), need clear leadership. Appointing substantive principals for these schools is non-negotiable. Structural reforms and adequate funding are essential for a sustainable education system.
Transport: Connecting the Nation
Kenya’s transport sector is a mixed bag of success and neglect. While the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and major highways have transformed inter-county connectivity, urban transport is in disarray. Nairobi’s traffic chaos, unreliable public transport, and underutilized water and air transport systems demand urgent attention. Revamping urban transit with mass rapid systems, cleaner energy buses, and smart infrastructure will redefine city living.
Economic Stability: A Debt-Free Future
Kenya’s local debt crisis is a ticking time bomb. With public debt nearing KSh 10 trillion—5 trillion of which is local—Ruto’s administration must prioritize repayment to ease the strain on local businesses. The competition between the government and private sector for credit has stifled entrepreneurship, leaving banks reluctant to lend to small businesses. Setting strict borrowing limits and incentivizing banks to support businesses will reignite job creation and economic growth.
A Vision for Posterity
President Ruto has made significant strides in shaping Kenya’s future. However, ambition without precision risks faltering. Addressing bottlenecks, refining policies, and ensuring inclusivity will cement his legacy. The housing, health, agriculture, and education sectors hold immense promise—but they require relentless focus.
As Kenya moves forward, Ruto must listen, adapt, and lead with courage. The dreams he builds today will become the realities future generations inherit. Let this be a legacy of equity, opportunity, and progress.
The author is a political analyst and commentator on Kenyan politics and a 2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County.
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