Promise! Promises! Promises are expectations created in the mind of the listeners. A marking scheme given to the judge. A point of comparison and confirmation to know whether one is still on track or not. My president promised. In three months’ time, in six months’ time, are now tales Kenyans are getting used to.
“Mnasema tuanze na hapa yaani hapa chini, kisha tupande juu, yaani bottom-up aaahaa, ama namna gani” or let’s say “Hustler Atawale” These statements are vividly clear to every Kenyan today.
President Ruto who campaigned on the idea of a bottom-up economic model, lured the voters to his camp with promises of him delivering just 3 months after the election. Today, that is not the case, with a majority of his promises thrown under the bus.
Of key importance his public relation team are still on their A game, posting false product prices, paper achievements, and ‘balloon’ ideologies.
Here are some of the promises that the president has forgotten:
50% of cabinet slots to women. In June 2022, Ruto signed a charter with women at Nyayo Stadium, where he promised them 50% of his cabinet. However, his current cabinet only has 8 women out of 22 ministers, which is less than 40%.
Review security officers’ pay within 100 days. Ruto promised to review security officers’ pay within 100 days of taking office. However, this has not yet been done.
Imposing higher taxes on the common mwananchi and basic commodities such as fuel where he took a turn by passing the 16% VAT on fuel.
Also read: Mbadi; Broken promises by the UDA government
Finding a long-lasting solution to the disputes between counties and health workers. Ruto promised to find a long-lasting solution to the disputes between counties and health workers, but medics in several counties have been on strike and some issuing notices, with more worsening conditions. Linda Mama is now out. NHIF has issues across each of its offices in the nation.
Double the budget for the school feeding program. Ruto promised to double the budget for the school feeding program, but the budget has not been doubled. He also scrapped the grant given to higher education leaner to help pay their fees and for their welfare.
Developing a turnaround strategy for Kenya Airways within 2 years. This promise was made in June 2022, but there is no evidence that a turnaround strategy has been developed. In fact, Kenya Airways has continued to lose money in the past year. Kenya Airway has also been denied funding for the 2023-2024 budget starting 1st July.
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Ruto promised not to increase the number of offices in the government yet instead did the exact opposite.
Big talks, great promises yet little to no work. It’s a shock to many, even those choosing to believe are feeling the burden of more increased taxes being proposed.
