I have spent most of the past week scrolling through government officials’ social media, especially the President, the Deputy, and the Cabinet Secretaries. A pattern emerges—meetings, consultations, and agreements dominate their updates. Time and again, we see posts about stakeholder engagements, policy discussions, and diplomatic interactions, but where are the tangible results? Where are the grand openings of manufacturing plants, job creation initiatives, and real, measurable improvements to the economy? Halfway into President William Ruto’s term, Kenyans need less talk and more action.
The government’s social media feeds often read like minutes from endless boardroom meetings rather than reflections of meaningful progress. Rarely do we see the launch of industries that could drive employment, the unveiling of critical infrastructure, or innovative programs that directly uplift ordinary Kenyans. Instead, we are bombarded with reports of conferences, workshops, and press briefings where officials discuss what should be done, not what has been done.
One might argue that consultations are necessary, but they should not be the default mode of governance. Kenya is in an economic crisis, and in such a situation, action should trump words. Instead of engaging in public spats and bashing opposition figures or former government officials, the focus should be on launching practical solutions. What about fast-tracking industrialization by opening more factories to process agricultural produce locally? What about streamlining the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector by reducing unnecessary bureaucracies and punitive taxation? What about aggressively investing in renewable energy to lower electricity costs for businesses and households? These are the game-changing moves Kenyans expect.
In contrast, Kenyans have watched their pockets shrink due to an avalanche of new taxes and a worsening cost of living. The government introduced the Housing Levy, increased fuel taxes, and proposed a host of other revenue-raising measures, yet citizens are not seeing any corresponding improvement in their lives. It is one thing for the government to claim that the economy is growing on paper, but for Kenyans, the only economy that matters is the one that allows them to afford food, rent, and healthcare without drowning in debt.
Speaking of healthcare, the government went to great lengths to dismantle the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in favor of the Social Health Authority (SHA). Billions were spent, and assurances were given that healthcare would improve. Now, the same government is admitting that SHA is failing. How did this happen? Was there no proper planning before implementation? Why rush policies without ensuring they can work? These are the questions Kenyans are asking as they struggle to access medical services in a deteriorating health system.
Meanwhile, insecurity is rising. Abductions, femicide, and brutal murders are becoming disturbingly common. Criminals appear emboldened, and law enforcement is failing to reassure citizens. Instead of addressing these pressing domestic issues, the President is busy trying to mediate conflicts in other countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Haiti. While diplomatic leadership is commendable, charity should begin at home. Kenyans need to feel safe in their own country before we export peace elsewhere.
As the government reaches the halfway point of its term, it is time to shift from rhetoric to action. Kenyans are not interested in political infighting, finger-pointing, or endless consultations. They want to see real economic relief, functional healthcare, job opportunities, and a secure nation. The question now is, will the government listen and start delivering, or will it continue in its cycle of meetings and statements while ordinary citizens struggle? Time is running out.
