Facts are stubborn, you can’t argue! Ruto defends track record

President William Ruto has defended his administration's economic record, saying key economic indicators show the country has made significant progress despite criticism from his opponents.

The President said his government had fulfilled one of its key promises by stabilising the economy.

Speaking during a meeting with Muslim sheikhs at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, he said inflation had fallen, interest rates were declining, the shilling had strengthened against the US dollar and the country's foreign exchange reserves had grown.

"There are things that I said I would implement and I have managed so far. First, it's the economy of the country. We had a big problem with our economy. The economy was in a bad state," Ruto said.

"Interest rates that had gone up to 20 per cent are now at 14 per cent and going down. Inflation that was 9.3 per cent is now at about 5 per cent. The dollar that was at 160–165 is now at 128–129.”

The President said Kenya's foreign exchange reserves had increased from $5.7 billion, equivalent to about two and a half months of import cover, to $15.3 billion, representing six and a half months of import cover.

Those are facts you cannot argue with; they are very stubborn," Ruto said.

The President called on leaders to shift their focus from politics to development, saying the country had spent too much time on political contests.

"I want us to sit down and talk about development. We are used to doing politics for so many years. We are the engineers when it comes to politics, but now I want us to take that to development, not just politics," he said.

His sentiments come days after he unveiled the Vision 2060 framework, describing it as Kenya's next long-term development roadmap that will succeed Vision 2030 and guide the country's economic and social transformation over the next three decades.  

The President said the blueprint seeks to build on gains made under Vision 2030 while positioning Kenya as a globally competitive, inclusive and sustainable economy by 2060.

Ruto also announced the formation of an advisory team led by Professor Hiroyuki Hino and Anyang' Nyong'o to spearhead national consultations on the country's long-term development agenda.

According to the President, the process will involve experts, policymakers, the private sector, academia and citizens in shaping a shared national vision beyond the lifespan of Vision 2030.

The unveiling of the Vision 2060 raised sharp criticism among the political divide. The President, however, dismissed criticism from opposition leaders and urged Kenyans to participate in shaping the country's long-term future.