The Government Spokesperson, Charles Owino, has urged Kenyans to assess President William Ruto’s Administration against the promises contained in the Kenya Kwanza Manifesto, rather than relying on political rhetoric and propaganda.
Owino, who was addressing the media on Wednesday in Nairobi during his first engagement since his appointment, said Kenyans should ask hard questions about the government’s performance while also demanding accountability from the opposition.
“I want to ask all Kenyans to read the campaign manifesto of the president when he was campaigning in 2022. He made promises to Kenyans,” Owino said.
He cited agriculture, affordable housing, universal healthcare, support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and the digital superhighway as some of the areas in which the administration made commitments.
Owino defended the government’s performance, citing the reduction of subsidized fertilizer prices from about Sh7,000 to Sh2,500, with a further reduction to Sh2,000 expected, as well as improved coffee prices.
He said more than seven million Kenyans had been registered on digital platforms to improve the distribution of agricultural inputs and curb exploitation in the sector.
On public debt, Owino said the Ruto Administration inherited significant financial obligations following the COVID-19 pandemic, drought, and the economic effects of the Russia-Ukraine war.
He said the Government had nevertheless continued servicing the country’s debts.
“We want facts. Don’t be driven by propaganda. Ask hard questions. But remember, your country is your country,” he said.
Owino challenged the opposition to present its own development agenda instead of focusing solely on removing President Ruto from office.
“The President must go, whether for one term or two terms. But what are you doing for these young people who are coming up? What are you going to do better?” he posed.
Owino strongly defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), dismissing claims that a future administration could simply abolish the programme.
He said SHA was established under the Social Health Act and comprises four funds: the Social Health Insurance Fund, the Emergency, Critical, and Chronic Illness Fund, the Primary Healthcare Fund, and the Hospital Development Fund.
“Whoever becomes the president, even if it is not President Ruto, cannot do away with SHA. It is a dream, it is a lie, it is wishful thinking,” he said.
Owino said more than 31 million Kenyans had registered with SHA and urged citizens to contribute to the scheme to enable them to benefit from its services.
On education, Owino said the government had released Sh307.5 billion in capitation to schools during the year, including Sh18 billion released for the third term.
He said the overall allocation to the Ministry of Education had increased from Sh500 billion in 2022 to Sh784.5 billion this year.
Owino also said the government had recruited more than 100,000 teachers over the past three years, with another 20,000 expected to be hired, while more than 25,000 classrooms had been constructed.
He acknowledged concerns over principals imposing additional charges on parents despite government directives prohibiting the practice.
According to Owino, several principals had been disciplined or dismissed, although some schools were allegedly using parents’ associations and other mechanisms to collect additional funds.
On proposed changes to university funding, he said the new model had not yet taken effect because the relevant legislation was still subject to parliamentary approval.
He urged Kenyans to read the proposed law before making judgments about its implications for students and parents.
Owino also defended the role of the National Police Service, while acknowledging that officers who violate the law should face action.
He reminded Kenyans that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful and unarmed demonstrations, assemblies, and petitions.
“Policemen are not there to brutalize people. Policemen are there to protect you,” he said.
He, however, condemned violence, looting, and destruction of property during demonstrations, urging protesters to exercise their constitutional rights without infringing on the rights of others.
Owino said police officers found responsible for unlawful killings or other offences had previously faced disciplinary and legal action.
On reports of Kenyans being recruited to fight for Russia, Owino said the Kenyan government had not authorized the enlistment of its citizens into the Russian military.
He said some Kenyans could have been lured through employment opportunities before being subjected to military recruitment after arriving in Russia.
Owino said the government was using diplomatic channels to address cases involving Kenyans in Russia and was working with the media to sensitize citizens against misleading recruitment schemes.
He said establishing the status of missing Kenyans could be difficult where there was no confirmed information about their whereabouts or deaths.
Owino attributed political goonism largely to violent confrontations involving supporters of political leaders and called for stronger enforcement of electoral rules.
He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other relevant institutions to take action against politicians who promote or facilitate political violence.
“If three or four are barred from running, I am sure goonism will end,” he said.
Owino also addressed concerns over rising water levels around Lake Baringo, saying the government had mapped affected areas and was encouraging residents to move to safer, higher ground in collaboration with county authorities.
He said the government was also implementing measures to improve drainage and manage the effects of flooding.
The government spokesperson urged Kenyans to participate in the ongoing “Beyond Vision 2030” discussions, saying citizens should use the process to propose solutions and shape the country’s development agenda beyond 2030.
He said the country would have transition years as it moves from the current Vision 2030 framework to a new long-term development agenda.
Owino further called on Kenyans to participate in celebrations marking 16 years since the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, saying the anniversary provided an opportunity to assess the country’s achievements and shortcomings.
By Phaeline Motari and Nancy Omondi
