Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has come to the defence of President William Ruto as opposition voices grow louder ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement released by State House on Saturday, Miano dismissed criticism against the President as politically motivated and rooted in personal interests rather than performance.
Miano argued that those who criticise President Ruto the most are not actively involved in leadership or decision-making and therefore do not appreciate the responsibilities that come with running the country. “The people who criticise him the loudest are the ones who aren’t in the leadership arena with him. They’re not taking the risks, they’re not leading the charge,” she stated.
The CS praised Ruto for his resilience, vision, and determination since assuming office in September 2022. She noted several positive developments under his administration, particularly in the economy and public service delivery.
Miano highlighted that Kenya is now ranked the sixth-largest economy in Africa, and the Kenya shilling is performing well against the US dollar. She also pointed to increased foreign exchange reserves and improved prices for key exports like coffee and tea. According to her, the government’s subsidised fertiliser programme has led to a rise in food production, reducing the country’s dependency on food imports such as rice and sugar.
In social development, Miano cited the Affordable Housing Programme and the implementation of Universal Health Coverage as key milestones aimed at restoring dignity and improving lives. She also lauded increased investment in education through unprecedented budget allocations and advancements in ICT, which have fueled innovation and supported the creative economy.
Regarding her own ministry, Miano noted a significant rebound in the tourism sector, positioning Kenya as a top global destination. She also praised reforms to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which aim to secure the future of senior citizens.
“Criticism is not a sign a leader is failing—it’s proof they are acting and making hard decisions. President Ruto remains committed to his vision and responsibilities,” she concluded.
