Key Highlights from President Ruto’s Madaraka Day Speech

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President William Ruto led Kenya’s 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at the new Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, where he outlined his administration’s achievements and vision for the future.

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Here are the main takeaways:

1. Economic Progress and Stability

• Ruto said Kenya’s economy has stabilized and grown, recording a 5% growth rate—above global and regional averages.
• Inflation has dropped from 9.6% in 2022 to 3.8% in May 2025.
• The shilling appreciated from Sh162 to Sh129 per USD, and forex reserves rose to $10 billion.

2. Affordable Housing Milestones

• 11,000 homes completed under the Affordable Housing Programme.
• Ruto proposed a new law to allow contributors to access up to Sh5 million in low-interest home loans.
• He highlighted individual success stories of beneficiaries.

3. Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

• Over 23 million Kenyans registered under Taifa Care since October 2024.
• 4.5 million received full treatment coverage; hospitals accessed Sh43 billion.
• Emergency and chronic care now fully funded by the government.
• 1.7 million informal households enrolled in one year.

4. Agriculture and Food Security

• Coffee earnings rose from Sh65 to Sh150 per kilo.
• Tea revenue reached Sh215 billion in 2024.
• Sugar output increased 66%, cutting imports by 70%.
• Government leased, not sold, four state-owned sugar factories.

5. Education Sector Gains

• 76,000 teachers hired and 23,000 new classrooms built.
• The new university funding model covers up to 90% of tuition for low-income students.
• TVET enrolment expected to reach 2 million by end of 2025.

6. Youth Empowerment & Hustler Fund

• Sh70 billion disbursed to 25 million Hustler Fund borrowers.
• NYOTA Project (Sh20 billion) launched to support 800,000 youth with training, grants, and jobs.
• Sh5 billion committed for 100,000 youth grants by August.

7. Climate Worx Jobs Initiative

• Over 110,000 youth employed in green jobs including tree planting, roadworks, and sanitation.
• The programme offers short-term income and long-term career support.

8. Blue Economy Focus

• Investments in aquaculture through new fish hatcheries and innovation hubs.
• Kabonyo Centre to produce 7 million fingerlings quarterly.
• Sagana Centre being upgraded for tilapia and catfish breeding.

9. Infrastructure Expansion

• 1,800 km of new roads built; 134,800 km maintained.
• SGR extension to Malaba and Mau Summit dual carriageway to start in July.

10. Call for Unity and Action
Ruto concluded by urging Kenyans to embrace national unity, resilience, and the will to act boldly for progress:

“Let’s honour our founders not just by dreaming, but by daring to achieve that dream together.”