President Ruto cites big wins in jobs, digital economy and housing in 3-year scorecard
In a press briefing on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura highlighted development initiatives that the president says have transformed several sectors, in what appeared to be a response to critics who have accused his administration of inertia.
President William Ruto has struck a bullish tone in outlining what he describes as key achievements during his three years in office.
In a press briefing on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura highlighted development initiatives that the president says have transformed several sectors, in what appeared to be a response to critics who have accused his administration of inertia.
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"In agriculture, bold reforms in coffee, tea, sugar and cotton have unlocked new opportunities for farmers and their communities. The revival of six cotton ginneries alone has created 700 jobs in counties such as Busia, Bungoma, Kitui and Embu. Distribution of 100 high-volume grain dryers is set to generate over 10,000 jobs in cooperatives and small enterprises," said Mwaura.
According to him, cotton farming, ginning, and textile activities have already supported more than 23,000 rural jobs.
Beyond agriculture, Mwaura said, the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) subsector is driving fresh employment opportunities. The refurbishment of 31 County Aggregated Industrial Parks (CAIPS) is expected to create 9,000 jobs.
"The Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) has directly supported 2,001 youth jobs while linking enterprises to local and regional markets. These reforms are making it easier for young entrepreneurs to access financing and formalise their businesses," he said.
1.3 million jobs
Taken together, Mwaura noted, Ruto’s administration has so far delivered more than 1.3 million jobs.
On the digital superhighway, information and communication technology, and the creative economy, Mwaura said Kenya is emerging as Africa’s digital hub.
He pointed to 50,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable laid across the country, connecting schools, villages, and businesses. At Konza Technopolis, more than 16 companies are now operating.
"We are encouraging many more startups and entrepreneurs to set up there, where they will find significant opportunities. An investor is also setting up a factory projected to employ more than 10,000 people by early next year," said Mwaura.
On education, Mwaura reported that the government has hired 76,000 teachers since 2022, while the Teachers Service Commission has advertised 24,000 new positions this year.
"As promised in our manifesto, we are on track to employ 116,000 teachers by 2027. By January 2026, we will have hired 100,000, with the remaining positions filled before the close of our term," he said.
The administration also pointed to progress in labour mobility, citing bilateral agreements signed with the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Thailand, Germany, and Austria.
"These agreements have created more than 452,000 jobs abroad, up from only 14,000 in 2022. Employment opportunities now span technical fields, hospitality, and healthcare, with 586 nurses already cleared for work overseas," Mwaura explained.
Blue Economy
On the Blue Economy, he said investments in training and infrastructure are creating new livelihoods. So far, 875 young Kenyans have been trained in modern fishing methods, with the sector valued at Sh32 billion and potential to exceed Sh250 billion if fully developed.
"That is why we are building capacity to end decades of exploitation by foreign trawlers, organising fisherfolk into cooperatives, and supporting women in coastal counties like Kilifi and Kwale through seaweed farming. We are also modernising the industry by working with the Kenya Shipyard to provide affordable, safer boats, moving away from wooden boats that have tragically contributed to the loss of lives," he said.
Mwaura also cited progress in other areas. He said Export Processing Zones (EPZs) have created 14,000 new jobs in three years, with four more EPZs under construction expected to add 5,000 more.
On health service delivery, he noted that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is being anchored on community health. To date, 18,831 community health promoters (CHPs) have been trained and equipped with kits and smartphones.
"Over 107,000 CHPs are now receiving a government stipend of Sh2,500, ensuring continuity and motivation in their work. These engagements are strengthening prevention, reducing disease burden, and building a healthier, more productive workforce," said Mwaura.
In housing, he added, the Affordable Housing Program has created more than 330,000 jobs across construction, manufacturing, supply chains, professional services, transport, and facility management.
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