President William Ruto arrives for the State of the Nation address at Parliament on November 21, 2024
As the world witnesses a historic comeback in the United States with Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, the atmosphere in Kenya tells a different story. While Trump’s resounding win signals a “new dawn” for America, President William Ruto’s tenure in Kenya seems to be on a downward spiral marked by increasing disillusionment and frustration. Two years into his presidency, many Kenyans are questioning whether Ruto will fulfill his promises or face the reality of a one-term presidency.
Donald Trump’s victory over U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, with promises of a “golden age” for America, stands in sharp contrast to Kenya’s political landscape. Trump’s new slogan, “Make America Healthy Again,” signifies his commitment to tackling chronic health challenges in the U.S., with his appointee, Robert F. Kennedy, vowing to address what he calls an “existential threat” to the nation. Along with this health initiative, Trump has created the Department of Government Efficiency, led by high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to slash bureaucracy, reduce regulations, and save trillions of taxpayer dollars. Such bold actions bring a sense of optimism to America as it enters a new phase of reform.
However, Kenya’s situation stands in stark contrast. President Ruto, once heralded as a champion of the “bottom-up” economic agenda, now faces mounting scrutiny for failing to deliver on the key promises that won him the presidency. Kenyans, who placed their hopes in his leadership, are now grappling with high taxation, increasing economic inequality, and unfulfilled pledges. The promise of a better life has turned into frustration as Kenyans continue to face the brunt of a rising cost of living and a struggling economy.
The recent comments made by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, a close ally of the President, reflect the government’s stance on taxation, which is becoming increasingly burdensome for many. With civil servants already bearing hefty deductions—such as PAYE (35%), Housing (1.5%), SHIF (2.75%), Pension (12%), and NSSF (6%)—the middle class is under pressure to sustain a government that has failed to meet its promises. Koech’s statement that the employed must “carry the rest of the nation” speaks to the growing sense that Kenyans are shouldering an unfair burden.
Ruto’s flagship programs, including the Universal Health Care initiative through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), have also turned into disappointments. With a focus more on advertising than actual implementation, many Kenyans are still left without access to quality healthcare. The promises made to overhaul the health system are now seen as hollow, and the government’s inability to make meaningful progress in this area further fuels public frustration.
The education system, too, remains in disarray. The rollout of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has faced numerous challenges, and universities are still struggling to meet the increasing demand for higher education. Youth unemployment continues to soar, and the promises of economic prosperity seem further out of reach for the average Kenyan.
Moreover, tensions between the government and the Church, which has a strong influence on the Kenyan population, have added to Ruto’s woes. Religious leaders, who are deeply in touch with the daily struggles of Kenyans, have increasingly criticized the government for its inability to meet the needs of the people. This growing discontent is only amplifying the pressure on Ruto to deliver on his campaign promises.
As the country watches closely, it is becoming evident that if President Ruto continues to fail in addressing the key issues affecting Kenyans—such as taxation, healthcare, education, and unemployment—his presidency may be in jeopardy. Much like the American electorate’s dissatisfaction with the Biden-Harris administration that led to Trump’s re-election, Kenyans may turn against Ruto in the next election if he fails to deliver on the promises of prosperity and reform. His presidency, once seen as a beacon of hope, now faces the very real prospect of being relegated to a one-term administration.
The question remains: will Ruto’s government find innovative solutions to address Kenya’s economic and social challenges, or will it continue to burden the citizenry with unfulfilled promises? Only time will tell if the President can turn the tide before the next election, or if he will face the consequences of failing to live up to the expectations of the Kenyan people.
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