President William Ruto speaking at AIC Bomani, Machakos on July 20, 2025. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
President William Ruto has dismissed criticism that he over-promised Kenyans during his campaign, maintaining that his pledges are not only achievable but are already bearing fruit.
Speaking at Africa Inland Church (AIC) Bomani in Machakos during the installation of Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo, President Ruto said the ambition of his administration is not misplaced, but rather a necessary shift from mediocrity to excellence.
“I have been accused of over-promising. It is not over-promising — we are raising our ambition as a nation. We must stop being average. We must strive to be better and excellent,” said the President, drawing applause from the congregation.
The Head of State listed several flagship initiatives — including Universal Health Coverage under the new Social Health Authority (SHA), the Affordable Housing Programme, and the Labour Mobility programme — as key indicators of progress.
He noted that in less than a year, SHA has outperformed the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), and warned lower-level hospitals (Levels 2, 3, and 4) against charging patients, emphasizing that the government is fully funding Primary Health Care services.
“This is a commitment I made, and it is one I intend to keep,” he stated firmly.
On the controversial Affordable Housing Programme, Ruto reported that over 40,000 housing units are under construction in Machakos County alone, creating over 320,000 jobs nationally. He added that 400,000 Kenyan youth have secured jobs abroad in the past two years through bilateral labour agreements.
“People don’t believe it because they are used to average performance. We are raising the bar,” he said.
Addressing concerns of exclusion, President Ruto reiterated his commitment to inclusive development, promising that no region of Kenya will be sidelined. He said the government is grounded on equity and unity, not political favoritism.
“No part of this country has more rights than the other. I will not allow any part to be left behind,” he declared.
The President also turned his attention to the role of parents and society in nurturing the next generation. Urging families to be more involved, he warned against leaving children to be disciplined by police officers, stating, “Police are trained to deal with criminals, not raise children.”
“If you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect? Every parent, including myself, should take time to parent their children,” he said.
He also criticized politicians allegedly using youth to incite violence and unrest, terming such tactics as "bad politics" and lacking in vision.
“One term, Ruto must go is not an agenda. Get an agenda. Tell Kenyans what you will do better than I am already doing,” he challenged his political opponents.
The event was also attended by Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, Labour CS Alfred Mutua, Members of Parliament, and MCAs, marking a show of political strength and unity in the heart of Ukambani.
