a media engagement reflecting on his 15 months in office, President William Ruto found himself under intense scrutiny as questions surrounding the state of the economy and specific concerns over the rising cost of living took center stage. The president struggled to defend some of his administration’s plans, pledges, and timelines for delivery, especially in the face of difficult economic challenges.
Rising Fuel Prices and Economic Defense
President Ruto’s 15-month tenure has been marked by economic challenges, with skyrocketing fuel prices becoming a focal point of discussion during the media engagement at State House Nairobi. The president sought to deflect blame for the high fuel prices by emphasizing that the government does not determine the price of fuel. Instead, he argued that it is determined by external factors such as producers. He explained that the uniformity of fuel prices in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania results from purchasing from the same sources.
In response to concerns about the consistent poor performance of the Kenyan Shilling against the dollar, President Ruto attributed the fall to external factors. He defended the Government-to-Government (G2G) deal, stating that it prevented a further increase in the exchange rate and positioned the Kenyan Shilling more favorably.
Contentious Oil Importation Arrangement and Shifting Timelines
The media engagement also delved into the contentious government-to-government oil importation arrangement. President Ruto vigorously defended the initiative despite its apparent failure to prevent the decline of the Kenyan Shilling. The president’s explanations aimed to address questions about apparent discrepancies in timelines set for economic recovery.
President Ruto acknowledged the difficulties in managing the fall of the Shilling and attributed it to external factors affecting the exchange rate. He asserted that the G2G deal had prevented a more significant decline, emphasizing that if they hadn’t entered into the transaction, the exchange rate could have been worse.
Challenges and Difficult Decisions in Economic Recovery
Concerns over the shifting goalposts and timelines for economic recovery prompted questions about the president’s decision-making. President Ruto asserted that the economy is currently out of distress due to difficult decisions made during his tenure. He defended the measures taken, acknowledging their painful nature but emphasizing their necessity to avoid further distress for the country.
As the conversation extended to salaries and economic challenges, President Ruto admitted to the difficulty in meeting salary demands. He indicated that tough decisions had been made, including cutting back on various aspects, to address the economic constraints. He highlighted that the decisions were essential to prevent Kenya from sliding into distress.
Media Engagement on Housing Levy and Constitutional Concerns
One of the contentious issues discussed during the media engagement was the housing levy, with President Ruto accusing the media of spreading falsehoods about its constitutionality. He questioned the media’s role in challenging the levy, defending it as a means to create jobs through housing projects. The president refuted claims of unconstitutionality and argued that the levy was aligned with the desires of Kenyans for employment opportunities.
However, the housing levy faced legal challenges, with a three-judge bench at the Milimani Law Courts declaring it discriminatory and unconstitutional. The judges ruled that collecting the levy only from salaried employees was against the principles of equality.
Wide-Ranging Media Engagement Covers Corruption, Foreign Relations, and Education
The media engagement covered a broad spectrum of topics, including corruption, regional and foreign relations, and challenges in the education system. President Ruto faced questions on these issues, providing insights into his administration’s stance and actions in various sectors.
As the media engagement unfolded, it highlighted the complexities and challenges facing the Ruto administration. The scrutiny over economic decisions, policy implementations, and their impact on the lives of ordinary Kenyans underscored the ongoing struggle to navigate a challenging economic landscape. The president’s responses, while attempting to defend his administration’s actions, revealed the nuanced nature of governance and the need for effective communication in the face of public concerns.