William Ruto: Kenya’s President, Policies and Latest News

William Ruto has been making headlines across Africa and the world. Whether you follow Kenyan politics closely or just heard his name in the news, this page gives you the basics you need. We’ll break down how he rose to power, what he’s doing now, and why his actions matter to everyday people.

How Ruto Got to Power

Ruto started out as a farmer’s son in the Rift Valley, then moved into student politics at the University of Nairobi. He later became a close ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, serving as a deputy minister before landing the deputy president job in 2013. In the 2022 election, he ran on a “Hustler Nation” platform, promising jobs and cheaper living costs. Voters responded, and he won the presidency with a clear margin.

What He’s Doing Now

Since taking office, Ruto has pushed a “bottom‑up” economic plan. The idea is to give cash to small traders, lower taxes for the informal sector, and cut red tape for startups. He’s also focused on energy projects, like new geothermal plants, to reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported fuel. Critics say the reforms move too fast and risk inflation, but supporters argue they’re needed to lift millions out of poverty.

On the international stage, Ruto is courting both Western donors and Chinese investors. He’s signed a new trade deal with the EU that aims to open markets for Kenyan coffee and tea, while also negotiating a massive infrastructure loan from China for a new highway linking Nairobi to Mombasa. Balancing these relationships is tricky, but it shows his willingness to keep Kenya connected to global trade.

Security is another hot topic. Ruto’s government has increased funding for police and border patrols to tackle banditry in the north and illegal timber trade in the forests. Some human‑rights groups worry about heavy‑handed tactics, yet the administration says tougher measures are needed to protect citizens and attract tourists.

Education reforms are also in the mix. Ruto announced a plan to provide free textbooks for primary schools and to upgrade digital classrooms in rural areas. The goal is to boost literacy rates and give kids the tools they need for a modern job market. Early pilots in Kajiado county show higher attendance, but the rollout is still in its early stages.

Corruption allegations still linger from his deputy‑president days. Investigations into the “grand coalition” scandal are ongoing, and opposition parties keep demanding transparency. Ruto has pledged to set up an independent anti‑corruption commission, but skeptics want to see real prosecutions before they trust the promise.

Public opinion is mixed. Polls this year show about 45% of Kenyans approve of his performance, while 30% disapprove and the rest are undecided. The approval gap narrows when you ask about job creation, but widens on issues like land reform, where many feel his policies favor big investors over small farmers.

If you’re keeping an eye on Kenyan politics, these are the key points to watch: economic reforms, foreign investment deals, security policies, and how the government handles corruption claims. Ruto’s next big test will be the mid‑term elections, where his party’s ability to retain local seats will indicate whether his “Hustler Nation” message still resonates.

Stay tuned to this page for fresh updates, analysis, and easy‑to‑read summaries of everything William Ruto does. We’ll break down new speeches, policy changes, and any controversy as it happens, so you never miss a beat on Kenya’s most talked‑about leader.