Meru —President William Ruto has dismissed political criticism and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering his administration’s development agenda, stating that no amount of pressure or insults will alter his plans.
Speaking on Saturday at the 10th Annual Meru Cooperative Union Dairy Farmers Field Day, Ruto said critics were free to engage in what he called “empty rhetoric,” but emphasized that his government was focused on action, not talk.
“No one will threaten me to abandon my focus on changing this country,” President Ruto said.
He stood beside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the address, responding directly to rising political opposition that he claimed lacked viable solutions.
“If you ask my critics what their plan is for Kenya, they’ll only say ‘Ruto Must Go.’ They have no alternatives,” he added.
Ruto told the gathering in Meru County that he was not concerned by political attacks, asserting that accountability would come during the 2027 general election.
Milk Sector Reforms Announced
During the event, President Ruto unveiled new government programs aimed at supporting Kenya’s dairy industry. He announced the nationwide distribution of 230 milk coolers, a measure designed to preserve milk quality and help farmers secure better prices.
Fifteen of the coolers will go directly to Meru County.
“These milk coolers will help keep milk fresh, stop bacteria from growing, and increase shelf life,” Ruto said.
He also revealed that, starting July 1, 2025, the cost of sexed semen for dairy farmers will be slashed from KSh4,000 to KSh1,000 per dose. The move is expected to improve herd quality and productivity.
“This price drop gives farmers access to better breeding options and raises livestock standards,” he said.
Ruto also confirmed that the Meru Dairy Processor’s new animal feed factory had finished construction. Equipment installation will begin this year. The government has pledged an additional KSh100 million to complete the infrastructure and make quality feeds more accessible to farmers.
The plant had already received KSh100 million from the government in 2024 for construction.
Boost in Dairy Output and Farmer Earnings
The President said these reforms are beginning to pay off. According to government data, the annual value of Kenya’s milk production rose from KSh40 billion in 2022 to KSh59 billion in 2024. The average farm gate milk price increased from KSh35 to KSh53 per liter during the same period.
“I’m glad farmers are now getting KSh50 per liter, up from KSh35 just two years ago,” Ruto noted.
He added that the State Department of Livestock is actively vaccinating animals across the country and directed that the campaign be extended to Meru immediately.
Political Context
President Ruto’s remarks come amid heightened political tension, with critics accusing his administration of neglecting economic hardship and rising costs of living. Ruto has repeatedly said his long-term plans are already showing measurable results, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
He closed his speech by reinforcing his vision for a self-sustaining rural economy driven by productivity, not politics.
“Our job is to work for the people, not to waste time responding to noise,” he said.
With 2027 on the horizon, Ruto appears set to frame his administration’s achievements as proof of leadership over partisanship.
