Ruto defends Kenya Kwanza's track record: 'Our first projects are maturing successfully'

President William Ruto has defended the performance of his government as he told off critics and naysayers during in his Jamhuri Day speech.

The Head of State said Thursday that his government had made historic gains on several fronts — financial inclusion, increased food production, inflation decline, housing projects and jobs for youth.

While touting the Bottom-Up agenda, the mantra on which his Kenya Kwanza alliance rode to presidency, he said it was transformational and a cornerstone of inclusive economic growth, adding that his regime intends to remain true to its manifesto and deliver on every promise made. 

“What I wish to emphasise on this Jamhuri Day is that regardless of how difficult circumstances get, and despite obstacles, resistance and anxiety…We have every intention of fulfilling our commitments and are at the point where the first projects are successfully entering maturity,” Dr Ruto said. 

He said financial inclusion is now a reality for millions of Kenyans, and credited the Hustler Fund, which is marking its second anniversary, for empowering Kenyans by lending a total of Sh60 billion so far.

He also revealed that the Fund is launching a new product, the Bridge Loan, “to help Kenyans with good credit scores transition from personal loans to enhanced facilities offering larger amounts with longer repayment periods.”