President William Ruto on Thursday defended his administration’s development record, saying his government’s projects reflect deliberate planning rather than impulsive decision-making.
Speaking during a meeting with more than 5,000 Nairobi County artisans at State House in Nairobi, the President rejected criticism from political opponents. He said his development agenda follows facts, serves the public interest and aligns with a clear national vision.
“I Am Not Foolish”, Ruto Tells Critics
Addressing the gathering in Swahili, Ruto dismissed claims that he acts irrationally or makes reckless choices. He said every initiative his administration has launched aims to improve Kenyans’ lives.
“Mimi si wazimu, mimi si mlevi, mimi si mjinga. Kila kitu tunafanya katika serikali hii kina mpango na kina sababu. Tunajenga barabara, masoko, nyumba za bei nafuu na tunatoa nafasi za kazi kwa vijana kwa sababu tunataka kubadilisha maisha ya wananchi,” he said.
(Translation: “I am not crazy, I am not drunk, I am not foolish. Everything we do in this government has a plan and a reason. We are building roads, markets, affordable housing, and creating job opportunities for youth because we want to change the lives of citizens.”)
Ruto added that political criticism should not derail the government from delivering on its promises, saying his administration will continue rolling out development projects despite opposition.
“Wengine wanaweza kusema chochote wanachotaka, lakini sisi hatutasimamishwa na kelele. Kazi yetu ni kuhakikisha wananchi wanapata maendeleo na fursa za kujitegemea,” he said. (Translation: “Others can say whatever they want, but we will not be stopped by noise. Our job is to ensure citizens access development and opportunities to be self-reliant.”)
Government Pledges More Support for Artisans
Ruto told the artisans that the government will continue empowering small-scale traders and informal sector workers by improving infrastructure, building affordable markets, expanding access to credit, and strengthening skills development programmes.
He said artisans drive Kenya’s economy by creating jobs and supporting local manufacturing, adding that the administration will keep backing policies that help them grow their businesses.
“Nyinyi mafundi ndio mnaijenga Kenya kutoka chini kwenda juu. Serikali yangu itaendelea kuwaunga mkono ili mpate mazingira bora ya kufanya kazi na kuongeza kipato chenu,” he said.
(Translation: “You artisans are the ones building Kenya from the ground up. My government will continue supporting you so you get a better working environment and increase your income.”)
Ruto Urges Kenyans to Judge Him on Projects, Not Rhetoric
The President urged Kenyans to assess his administration through the development projects being implemented nationwide, rather than political rhetoric, saying tangible progress will remain a top priority for his government.
The meeting, held at State House in Nairobi, brought together more than 5,000 artisans from Nairobi County. Discussions focused on programmes meant to strengthen the informal sector, widen economic opportunities, and speed up implementation of development projects.
Ruto reiterated that his administration will stay focused on delivering its development agenda, arguing that the outcomes of ongoing projects will ultimately confirm that the government’s decisions stem from sound planning and a commitment to improving the welfare of Kenyans.
