President Ruto’s Development Record Is Undisputed, Says Human Rights Activist Kipkorir Ngetich

 

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has praised President William Ruto’s administration, saying the Head of State has demonstrated a commitment to development, national unity and equitable service delivery across Kenya.

Ngetich, speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Eldoret, congratulated President Ruto for what he described as an “undisputed development record” since he assumed office in 2022.

He said the administration had demonstrated that national development could be pursued across different regions without discrimination, political favouritism or ethnic considerations.

According to Ngetich, the government’s performance should be assessed through tangible projects and programmes being implemented across the country, including affordable housing, road infrastructure, markets, stadiums, electricity connectivity, digital infrastructure and youth empowerment programmes.

He pointed to the government’s infrastructure agenda, noting that President Ruto’s administration has prioritised roads, housing, energy and digital connectivity as key drivers of economic transformation. The President has previously outlined plans to accelerate the construction and upgrading of roads and expand affordable housing across the country.

Ngetich also cited the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme and the Hustler Fund as initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people.

The official NYOTA programme says it is targeting 820,000 vulnerable young people through apprenticeships, certification, entrepreneurship support, digital skills and savings initiatives, while 110,000 businesses are expected to receive capital support.

The activist argued that youth empowerment programmes were particularly important given the challenges facing unemployed and underemployed young people.

Ngetich further praised the government’s focus on healthcare and education, including the Social Health Authority (SHA) and reforms in education financing, saying such interventions were intended to expand access to essential services.

He said the construction of modern markets in major towns, expansion of electricity and internet connectivity and investment in infrastructure were important foundations for economic growth and improved livelihoods.

The activist also defended the President’s broad-based government arrangement, saying it had contributed to political cooperation and provided an opportunity for leaders from different political backgrounds to work together.

He described the presidency as an institution that should represent all Kenyans regardless of ethnicity, political affiliation or geographical location, arguing that national development should be guided by citizenship rather than ethnic considerations.

Ngetich said President Ruto’s administration should also be assessed against its efforts to attract investment and strengthen Kenya’s regional and continental economic links. In March 2026, the President announced investment deals worth more than $2.9 billion involving 20 investors across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, healthcare, energy and real estate.

He maintained that Kenyans should focus on measurable development outcomes rather than political rhetoric, while urging citizens to remain united and avoid ethnic politics, hatred and misinformation.

Ngetich said critics of the administration should also acknowledge projects being implemented in their respective counties, arguing that development should benefit Kenyans irrespective of their political affiliations.

He described President Ruto as a hands-on leader who has continued to launch and inspect development projects despite his international engagements.

Ngetich further argued that the Constitution places obligations on government to promote the economic, social and political rights of citizens, and said development programmes should therefore be evaluated on their impact on ordinary Kenyans.

He called for continued national unity and constructive debate on the country’s development agenda, saying Kenyans should examine government performance using evidence and measurable outcomes rather than tribalism or political hostility.

The activist’s remarks come as the government continues to promote its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with infrastructure, healthcare, housing, agriculture, MSMEs and the digital economy forming major components of its development programme.