President William Ruto has rejected claims that Kenya is sliding into crisis, urging critics to “stop with the negativity” and insisting the country is on course.
“Kenya is not a failed state,” he told mourners on Monday in Gikambura, Kikuyu, during the burial of Mzee Isaac Ichung’wah, father of National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah. “As we move this journey, we will move together. We will have a greater country than we have today.”
Mr. Ruto used the occasion to highlight what he called a major achievement for his government: the prospect of a record maize harvest. He said Kenya could harvest close to 75 million bags this year — the highest in the nation’s history.
“This year, we will harvest close to 75 million bags of maize. This is the highest amount in the history of Kenya,” he said, framing the milestone as proof of progress in tackling food insecurity.
The Agriculture Ministry reported a harvest of 67 million bags in 2024, up from 34.3 million in 2022. Over the weekend, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government expected about 70 million bags this year. He added that Nairobi would purchase maize directly from farmers to replenish the National Strategic Food Reserve, providing growers with both income security and a ready market.
At the burial, Mr. Ruto also paid a personal tribute to Mr. Ichung’wah, praising him as one of his staunchest allies in Parliament. “He is not just my friend but my brother. This man has taken many bullets for me,” the President said.
The remarks come amid growing debate over Kenya’s economic health, with opposition voices and some analysts pointing to high debt, rising living costs, and political tensions as signs of fragility. Mr. Ruto, however, has repeatedly argued that his reforms are beginning to bear fruit, citing increased agricultural output and what he describes as a more disciplined approach to public finances.
For now, the government’s claims of progress will be tested against everyday realities for Kenyans, many of whom continue to grapple with high prices and unemployment.
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