Kenya can’t afford to be average, says Ruto

President William Ruto has dismissed criticism that he “overpromised” Kenyans before his election, asserting that his ambitious agenda reflects a higher national aspiration.

Speaking during a church service in Machakos on Sunday, Ruto urged Kenyans to abandon a mindset of mediocrity and to embrace a future defined by excellence and transformation.

“For a long time, we’ve been stuck at average. We must stop being average,” the President stated, insisting that his commitment to Kenyans is not just empty rhetoric. “We must do better. That is my mission.”

Ruto stressed that raising the bar is not an overestimation of what’s possible but rather a declaration of confidence in Kenya’s potential.

“People say I have overpromised. I want to tell them: it’s not overpromising. We are raising our ambition as a nation,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to deliver on his campaign promises, Ruto disclosed that some leaders had even advised him to scale back certain commitments, a suggestion he firmly rejected.

“A bishop told me, ‘You said all these things just to get elected and now you need to plan how to step back from some of them.’ I have no such intention. I will keep every promise I made in my term,” he declared.

The President highlighted progress in various sectors, citing developments in agriculture and healthcare as evidence that transformation is already underway.

“Our economy is growing, and the numbers speak for themselves. Whether in maize, tea, sugar, or health, we are seeing progress,” he said. “By the grace of God and through unity, we will transform Kenya in our lifetime.”