President Ruto Reaffirms Bottom-Up Agenda, Inclusive Leadership as He Meets Over 12,000 UDA Aspirants at State House

President William Ruto has reaffirmed the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, inclusive leadership, and agenda-driven politics, declaring that the ruling party is being deliberately strengthened to become a truly national political movement anchored on unity, growth, and shared prosperity.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with 12,353 UDA aspirants preparing for the 2027 General Election, President Ruto said UDA’s focus remains building strong grassroots structures that accommodate all Kenyans regardless of region, gender, or background.

“We are strengthening the United Democratic Alliance at the grassroots to position it as a truly national and inclusive political party that accommodates every Kenyan and champions a long-term agenda for unity, growth, and shared prosperity,” the President said.

The aspirants drawn from across the country represented all elective levels, underscoring the party’s expanding national footprint. They included 149 gubernatorial aspirants, 279 Senate aspirants, 323 women representative aspirants, 1,372 parliamentary aspirants, and 10,230 aspirants for Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions.

President Ruto described the large turnout as a demonstration of growing confidence in the party’s leadership and development agenda.

Strengthening Internal Democracy and Women Inclusion

The President reiterated UDA’s commitment to democratic processes within the party, noting that credible nominations are essential to strengthening Kenya’s democracy and public trust in political institutions.

“To enhance women inclusion in leadership, we are committed to giving women politicians a fair chance in leadership as we work to ensure free, fair, inclusive, and democratic nominations,” President Ruto said.

He noted that empowering women politically is not only a constitutional imperative but also a development necessity.

“When women are given equal opportunity to lead, communities thrive and governance improves. Inclusion is not a favour—it is a right and a strength,” he added.

President Ruto challenged party officials and aspirants to uphold integrity during nominations and campaigns, warning that unfair practices weaken political parties and alienate voters.

Rejecting Tribal and Personality Politics

President Ruto said UDA is charting a new political culture rooted in ideas, service, and national unity, as opposed to divisive identity politics.

“Our party continues to set a new standard in our politics by embracing agenda-based governance that serves Kenyans devoid of tribalism, division, hate, and personality-driven politics,” he said.

He urged aspirants to focus on articulating solutions to the challenges facing Kenyans, rather than engaging in rhetoric that fuels division.

“The politics of hate and division cannot build a nation. Only ideas, unity, and hard work can,” the President said.

Progress on Bottom-Up Economic Transformation

President Ruto used the occasion to take stock of his administration’s economic record, noting that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is yielding tangible results.

“As promised in our manifesto, we are transforming the economy from the bottom up, and over 80 per cent of our commitments have already been delivered,” he said.

He said the reforms have helped stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence, and cushion vulnerable households from economic shocks.

“As a result of these deliberate policies, the economy is stable and Kenyans are reaping the benefits,” President Ruto said.

The President said the bottom-up approach prioritises farmers, small traders, artisans, youth, and micro and small enterprises, ensuring growth is inclusive rather than concentrated at the top.

Major Tax Relief to Ease Cost of Living

In one of the key highlights of his address, President Ruto announced significant tax relief measures aimed at easing the cost of living for working Kenyans.

“To ease the cost of living for ordinary Kenyans, we plan to exempt more than 1.5 million workers earning KSh30,000 and below per month from paying income tax,” he said.

In addition, the President announced that a further 500,000 workers earning up to KSh50,000 per month will benefit from a reduction in income tax from 30 per cent to 25 per cent.

“These measures are not theoretical. They are practical interventions designed to put more money in the pockets of workers and restore dignity to labour,” he said.

President Ruto said the tax reforms reflect the true meaning of the bottom-up philosophy.

“This is what we mean by Bottom-Up—policies that put dignity, opportunity, and relief in the hands of those at the base of our economy,” he said.

Call to Aspirants: Be Servant Leaders

The President urged UDA aspirants to embrace servant leadership and act as ambassadors of the party’s development agenda at the grassroots.

“You are not just candidates; you are ambassadors of this vision. Go out and serve, listen to the people, and lead with integrity,” he said.

He cautioned aspirants against entitlement and complacency, urging them to earn public trust through hard work and consistent engagement with voters.

“Do not wait for endorsements. Work hard, engage the people, and earn their confidence,” President Ruto said.

Building Towards 2027 and Beyond

President Ruto said the meeting marked a key milestone in UDA’s preparations for the 2027 General Election, noting that the party’s focus goes beyond elections to long-term national transformation.

“This journey is not just about winning elections. It is about building institutions, transforming lives, and securing the future of our nation,” he said.

He called on party members to remain united and disciplined as the country moves towards the next election cycle.

“Unity of purpose, discipline, and commitment to service will determine how far we go as a party and as a nation,” the President said.

The meeting at State House underscored UDA’s strategy of consolidating grassroots support while advancing economic and governance reforms aimed at improving the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans and fostering inclusive national development.