Miano hails Ruto’s leadership, predicts stronger 2027 re-election bid

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has hailed President William Ruto’s administration as transformative and people-centred, saying its focus on empowering vulnerable Kenyans is steadily changing the country’s economic fortunes.

Miano, reacting to President Ruto’s Mashujaa Day address, said the government had made significant progress in implementing its development agenda despite economic and social challenges facing the country.

Speaking in Taita Taveta County during the launch of the Thamani Asili programme, the Cabinet Secretary said Kenya was on the right trajectory and predicted that the country’s development model could eventually attract interest from other nations.

“It is very clear that even those from Singapore will come to benchmark in Kenya. Kenya is heading in the right direction,” Miano said.

She singled out the administration’s focus on empowering less fortunate Kenyans as one of the defining aspects of President Ruto’s leadership, arguing that the government’s programmes were increasingly placing ordinary citizens at the centre of national development.

Miano further projected that by the 2027 General Election, President Ruto will have delivered on a substantial number of the promises he made to Kenyans, strengthening his case for a second term.

“Our leader has done a lot. He has transformed this country to unimaginable levels,” she said.

Her remarks came as President Ruto, during the national Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, acknowledged concerns raised by Kenyans over the cost of living, taxation, unemployment and the pace of economic change.

The President particularly recognised the role of young Kenyans who have taken to the streets to express dissatisfaction with government policies, saying leaders have a responsibility to listen and remain accountable to citizens.

“Kenyans, particularly young people, have taken to the streets to express frustration, sometimes over the cost of living, taxation, unemployment, and the pace of change,” Ruto said.

The President said the protests were a reminder that winning an election does not give leaders an exclusive say over the country’s direction or insulate the government from public scrutiny.

Reflecting on his tenure, Ruto noted that this year’s celebrations marked the fifth Mashujaa Day he had presided over since assuming office in September 2022.

“This is the fifth Mashujaa Day I have the honour of presiding over as President of the Republic of Kenya, and the first in October 2022, just a month into my term in office,” he said.

Mashujaa Day honours Kenyans whose sacrifices and contributions have shaped the country’s history and development.

This year’s celebrations also provided the President with an opportunity to reflect on his administration’s record and the growing demand from citizens, particularly the youth, for greater accountability, economic opportunities and tangible improvements in their livelihoods.