Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addressed an Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service in Lodwar, Turkana County, on December 15, 2024, urging Kenyans to maintain faith in President William Ruto's administration as it navigates economic recovery efforts. He attributed the ongoing economic difficulties to the long-lasting impacts of COVID-19, which disrupted various sectors for nearly two years [fa217006]. Kindiki highlighted some positive developments, including a stronger Kenyan shilling and a decrease in fuel prices from Ksh 217 to Ksh 170 per liter, indicating improvements in key economic indicators.
Despite these improvements, Kindiki acknowledged the heavy burden of public debt, which is projected to rise from 59.5% of GDP in 2019 to 72% by the end of 2022. He emphasized the government's commitment to economic recovery and enhancing household incomes, reiterating the need for unity and support from the public during these challenging times [fa217006].
In a broader context, President William Ruto had previously addressed the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2024, calling for urgent reforms in global governance and financing to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [304fb73a]. He criticized the existing global financial architecture as dysfunctional and supported the UN Secretary-General's call for a USD 500 billion SDG Stimulus package, stressing that immediate action is necessary to avoid derailing sustainable development ambitions.
Ruto's administration has faced criticism for lacking a coherent growth strategy, with critics arguing that his focus on tax hikes to avoid default has overshadowed promises made during his campaign to tackle issues like debt and job creation [a2ce267c]. He has urged Kenyans to give him more time to implement measures aimed at increasing job opportunities and improving agricultural output, while also committing to combat corruption, particularly in the health sector [09196021].
Additionally, during the 79th UN General Assembly, Ruto emphasized the importance of inclusivity in AI and data governance, showcasing Kenya's innovative use of AI in various sectors, including education and agriculture [677e7718]. As the government continues to work on economic recovery, the call for unity and support from leaders like Kindiki remains crucial for the nation’s progress amid ongoing challenges.