President William Ruto’s administration has repeatedly claimed that the cost of living in Kenya has greatly dropped.
However, this narrative is at odds with the grim reality faced by millions of Kenyans.
A new report has revealed the truth: rising unemployment and escalating living costs have driven millions into poverty, exposing the hollow promises of economic relief made by the president.
The World Bank report paints a sobering picture of Kenya’s economy, revealing that the country’s poverty rate rose from 38.6% in 2021 to 39.8% in 2022.
This translates to over 20 million Kenyans now languishing in poverty.
Despite Ruto’s assertions, these figures demonstrate a worsening economic situation, with many struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare.
One of Ruto’s flagship policies was the reduction of fertilizer prices, touted as a solution to food insecurity and high living costs.
While subsidized fertilizer was expected to bring down food prices, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Food prices have remained high, and the ripple effects of global inflation combined with government inefficiencies have compounded the crisis.
Staples such as maize flour, sugar, and cooking oil are still out of reach for many, contradicting the administration’s claims of progress.
Unemployment remains a key driver of poverty, with job creation efforts falling far short of expectations.
Despite promises of creating millions of jobs through initiatives such as the Housing project and agricultural reforms, many Kenyans continue to grapple with a lack of opportunities.
Youth, who make up a proportion of the population, are disproportionately affected, forcing some into crime or precarious informal work just to survive.
The increased poverty rate is also a reflection of failed policies and misplaced priorities. Billions of shillings are being directed toward large infrastructure projects and government officials’ allowances, while the plight of ordinary Kenyans is overlooked.
In addition, excessive borrowing has pushed the country into a debt crisis, further squeezing resources that could have been used to cushion citizens against economic hardships.
President Ruto’s repeated assurances that his administration has improved the cost of living appear to be little more than rhetoric.
The disconnect between his claims and the realities faced by millions is a stark reminder of the need for a leadership that prioritizes its citizens.
The rising poverty rate, coupled with widespread dissatisfaction over the economy, is a damning indictment of Ruto’s leadership and policies.
It remains clear that more needs to be done to address unemployment and the high cost of living, rather than resorting to political propaganda.
