Kajiado County— President William Ruto issued a direct challenge to his administration on Thursday morning: deliver results or risk betraying the nation’s trust. Speaking at the Third National Executive Retreat held at the KCB Leadership Centre in Kajiado County, Ruto emphasized the urgency of fulfilling the promises his government made to Kenyans.
“We cannot fail. If we don’t succeed, we’ll have let this country down in a very profound way,” Ruto told Cabinet Secretaries and top state officials. “A lot is at stake.”
The two-day retreat was convened to evaluate progress under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with a focus on sectors such as jobs, education, and infrastructure. Ruto acknowledged that the journey had not been smooth, but pointed to measurable improvements as evidence of progress.
“The path to transforming our country has been bumpy, demanding, and required us to make difficult decisions,” he said. “Even so, we are proud of those decisions that are now paying dividends.”
Ruto’s remarks reflected a tone of responsibility and resolve. He recounted conversations with ordinary voters who took a chance on his leadership. One voter in Mombasa, he said, was moved by his firm stand on election integrity: “Nyinyi mkiniona, mimi ni mtu naweza kuibiwa kura?” loosely translated, “Look at me, do I look like someone who can be rigged out?”
“There are people who voted for me whom I didn’t expect to vote for me,” Ruto noted. “Because of what they heard me say, what they thought I stood for, and the commitments I had made they did.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen were also present. Kindiki backed the president’s message, citing job creation, infrastructure expansion, and school system reforms as visible results from recent policy decisions.
“We are making significant progress in the journey of uplifting the well-being of our citizens,” Kindiki said.
The Executive Retreat comes amid mounting pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration to show results as cost-of-living concerns and economic headwinds challenge public patience. However, Ruto reaffirmed his belief in the government’s direction and the power of collective effort.
“I always knew that changing this country would not be easy,” he said. “But I also knew that it is possible if we do it together.”
The retreat concludes Friday with a performance review across ministries and planning for the next phase of BETA implementation. Ruto’s message was clear unity, action, and accountability must drive every decision going forward.
