First Lady Rachel Ruto admits 'ground realities' hindering project delivery

First Lady Rachel Ruto admits 'ground realities' hindering project delivery

The First Lady's comments, though focused on water challenges in Ganze, come at a time when President William Ruto continues to face mounting pressure over a series of unfulfilled promises, including lowering Kenya's high cost of living.

First Lady Rachel Ruto has acknowledged that many promises made by Kenyan leaders often fail to materialize, citing real-world challenges that hamper implementation.

Speaking during a visit to Ganze, Kilifi County, where she was initiating her Feed One, End Hunger kitchen gardening initiative, the First Lady conceded that while leaders frequently make ambitious commitments, local conditions often make delivery impossible.

She made the utterances following concerns raised by residents and school leaders who warned that without reliable access to water, the well-intentioned project is at risk of failing in the region.

"Sometimes we go around the country making promises, but, in reality, whatever we say cannot work. I can promise to drill as many boreholes as possible but they turn out dry or the water is salty," she said, according to The Nation.

The First Lady's comments, though focused on water challenges in Ganze, come at a time when President William Ruto continues to face mounting pressure over a series of unfulfilled promises, including lowering Kenya's high cost of living.

Since taking office in 2022, President Ruto has made sweeping pledges, from lowering the cost of living and reducing taxes to creating jobs and increasing funding for key sectors.

However, a surge in taxes, food prices, public spending controversies and extra-judicial killings have sparked discontent among Kenyans and civil society groups, who have continuously taken to the streets to express their frustration.

The growing discontent has also earned Ruto several nicknames for his perceived tendency to talk more than act.

Religious leaders, including figures from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), have publicly expressed concern over the ruling regime's leadership shortcomings, accusing the government of negligence and misplaced priorities.

The clergy has also denounced widespread corruption, accusing elected leaders of neglecting their constitutional duties in favour of their interests.

"There is a lot of anxiety and most people are losing trust in the government. The massive greed we are witnessing is shocking and heartbreaking," said KCCB Chairman, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, in a past statement.

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