President William Ruto marked the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2025, at the newly inaugurated Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County. In a speech punctuated by promises and progress, Ruto outlined the achievements of his administration since assuming office on September 13, 2022.
The President highlighted Kenya’s economic recovery, noting an average annual growth rate of five percent higher than global and regional averages. Inflation dropped from 9.6 percent in October 2022 to 3.8 percent in May 2025, while the shilling appreciated from Sh162 to Sh129 against the US dollar.
Ruto emphasized the impact of the Affordable Housing Programme, with 11,000 housing units completed. He announced a new proposal allowing contributors to the housing levy to access home loans of up to Sh5 million at single-digit interest rates.
On healthcare, he lauded the rollout of Taifa Care under the Social Health Authority, with 23 million Kenyans registered. Over Sh43 billion has been disbursed, enabling 4.5 million people to access fully covered treatment.
In agriculture, Ruto celebrated reforms that raised coffee farmers’ earnings to Sh150 per kilo and boosted tea revenues to Sh215 billion. Sugar production increased by 66 percent, reducing imports significantly.
He also highlighted education reforms, including the hiring of 76,000 teachers, construction of 23,000 classrooms, and a revamped university funding model covering up to 90 percent of tuition for poor students. TVET enrollment is projected to quadruple by 2025.
Youth empowerment was another focus. The Hustler Fund has disbursed Sh70 billion to over 25 million borrowers, while the NYOTA Project, backed by the World Bank, targets 800,000 youths with training and seed capital. Climate Worx will employ over 110,000 young people in environmental initiatives.
With the Blue Economy as this year’s theme, Ruto announced investments in aquaculture, including the Kabonyo Centre of Excellence and modernization of the Sagana Aquaculture Centre.
He concluded by urging national unity and self-belief, calling on Kenyans to embrace progress and ensure no one is left behind.
