Speaking to an international television station on Sunday, November 9, 2025, Ruto said that the youth, who were initially angry and frustrated with his leadership, have now begun to see the results of his promises.
“They have since discovered that every commitment I made — from empowering young people through education and jobs, to ensuring food and health for all — I have kept my word,” Ruto said.
The President described the turnaround as a major step toward rebuilding trust between his government and Kenya’s youthful population, who make up more than 70 per cent of the country’s population.
The June 2025 protests, led mainly by young Kenyans, shook the nation and forced the government to rethink its approach.
The demonstrations, which began online under hashtags like #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill, had highlighted deep frustrations over unemployment, rising costs of living, and government accountability.
Ruto admitted that the protests had sent a strong message. However, he said he chose not to respond with force but instead with dialogue and tangible programs aimed at improving young people’s lives.
“I understood their pain and anger. That’s why my government moved quickly to open more opportunities in the digital economy, agriculture, and education,” he explained.
The President cited education reforms and digital job programs as some of the key achievements that have changed perceptions among the youth.
He pointed to initiatives such as the Kenya Youth Digital Network (KYDN), which has provided remote job opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans in online work, coding, and digital marketing.
Ruto also mentioned ongoing agricultural projects designed to help young farmers access modern tools and training to improve food production.
“We are making farming cool again,” he joked during the interview, adding that youth-led agribusiness projects are now getting government funding and market access.
Ruto said the question of whether he has delivered on his promises is now settled.
“In the entire country today, the debate is not whether President William Ruto has delivered; that debate is closed,” he said confidently.
He maintained that his administration has worked consistently to implement campaign pledges and that the impact is now visible across the country.
“We are not just talking about development. We are doing it — from affordable housing to digital hubs in every county,” Ruto added.
The President also dismissed recent opinion polls suggesting that 62 per cent of Kenyans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
He argued that polls have often been inaccurate and cannot reflect the true feelings of Kenyans.
“I will tell you this — during the last election, the polls showed that I would never win. But I did,” Ruto said with a smile.
Ruto admitted that the protests had sent a strong message. However, he said he chose not to respond with force but instead with dialogue and tangible programs aimed at improving young people’s lives.
“I understood their pain and anger. That’s why my government moved quickly to open more opportunities in the digital economy, agriculture, and education,” he explained.
The President cited education reforms and digital job programs as some of the key achievements that have changed perceptions among the youth.
He pointed to initiatives such as the Kenya Youth Digital Network (KYDN), which has provided remote job opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans in online work, coding, and digital marketing.
Ruto also mentioned ongoing agricultural projects designed to help young farmers access modern tools and training to improve food production.
“We are making farming cool again,” he joked during the interview, adding that youth-led agribusiness projects are now getting government funding and market access.
Ruto said the question of whether he has delivered on his promises is now settled.
“In the entire country today, the debate is not whether President William Ruto has delivered; that debate is closed,” he said confidently.
He maintained that his administration has worked consistently to implement campaign pledges and that the impact is now visible across the country.
“We are not just talking about development. We are doing it — from affordable housing to digital hubs in every county,” Ruto added.
The President also dismissed recent opinion polls suggesting that 62 per cent of Kenyans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.
He argued that polls have often been inaccurate and cannot reflect the true feelings of Kenyans.
“I will tell you this — during the last election, the polls showed that I would never win. But I did,” Ruto said with a smile.
“There is always a world of difference between what you see and what you get.”
Ruto urged Kenyans to judge his government based on results, not statistics, insisting that “progress takes time, but it is real.”
Ruto concluded by promising continued investment in youth-centered programs, saying that Kenya’s future depends on empowering its young people.
“I want every young person to know that they are part of this nation’s story. Kenya will only move forward if we move together,” he said.
The President’s remarks come at a time when many Kenyans are closely watching how his administration handles economic recovery and youth employment — two areas that could define his legacy as he seeks to regain public confidence.
Ruto urged Kenyans to judge his government based on results, not statistics, insisting that “progress takes time, but it is real.”
Ruto concluded by promising continued investment in youth-centered programs, saying that Kenya’s future depends on empowering its young people.
“I want every young person to know that they are part of this nation’s story. Kenya will only move forward if we move together,” he said.
The President’s remarks come at a time when many Kenyans are closely watching how his administration handles economic recovery and youth employment — two areas that could define his legacy as he seeks to regain public confidence.
Tags:
Politics