President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to uplifting boda boda riders and mama mbogas, key groups in his much-publicized bottom-up economic model. Speaking during a meeting with a section of boda boda national officials at State House, Ruto addressed growing criticism that his government had sidelined the very people it once championed.
“Kuna watu wengi wananikejeli kwamba nilisahau watu wa bodaboda na mama mboga katika mpango yetu,” Ruto said, emphasizing that every government policy rolled out has been shaped by the bottom-up approach, prioritizing those at the base of the economic pyramid.
The President dismissed claims that his administration has shifted its focus away from the informal sector, stating that boda boda riders and mama mbogas were central to the 2022 campaign narrative and continue to remain integral to government planning and decision-making.
“In the last election, I elevated bodaboda riders until they became central to the election agenda,” Ruto remarked. “There were two groups at the center of it all bodaboda and mama mboga. Who else, if not me, introduced them into the national conversation?”
Ruto also underscored the government’s efforts to protect the livelihoods of small-scale traders and informal sector workers, arguing that Kenya should not be a country for the elite alone. “We want a Kenya where everyone contributes and is included, starting with those at the bottom and moving upward,” he said.
The President’s comments come in the wake of criticism from opposition leaders, notably Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who questioned the effectiveness of the bottom-up model. Kalonzo claimed many Kenyans feel abandoned and that poverty levels have worsened despite campaign pledges aimed at the poor.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also weighed in, noting that Ruto no longer makes frequent references to boda boda riders and mama mbogas in his public addresses.
Despite the criticism, Ruto insisted his administration remains focused on ensuring equitable economic participation, reaffirming his commitment to the ordinary Kenyan.
