President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that reforms in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are aimed at ensuring universal healthcare for all.
Speaking when he distributed Christmas gifts to residents of Turbo Constituency at his Sugoi home in Uasin Gishu County, President Ruto said the government was keen to ensure Kenyans do not sell their property to access healthcare. Ruto told off critics of the reforms, saying they were up to no good and were opposed to the transformation of the country.
“We have reduced monthly payments to NHIF to make it easy for most people. The government will pay for those who do not have the means to pay,” he said.
Ruto said it was wrong for some people to rush to court to stop projects aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans, including affordable housing.
“Under the affordable housing program, 200,000 houses will be built every year. So far, more than 120,000 people have been employed in the program,” said President Ruto.
He went on to say that his responsibility is to make Kenya greater and not to destroy it. He asked Kenyans to take advantage of the Hustler Fund to start and support viable income-generating activities. Additionally, Ruto said the fund has transformed the lives of many Kenyans at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
“As you borrow from the Hustler Fund, also remember to pay to help others get access to the funds,” he said.
President Ruto asked parents to take advantage of the government’s commitment to invest in education by taking their children to school. “The recruitment of 56,000 teachers this year was a clear demonstration that the government gives priority to the education sector. Education remains an equalizer. This is why we are investing more resources in the sector,” he added.
On agriculture, the president said his administration would continue to reform the sector to increase food production. He said reforms in the sector have seen a 40 percent increase in food production this year compared to last year.
“I want to thank farmers for taking advantage of reforms, including the reduction of fertilizer prices from Ksh 7,000 to Ksh 2,500. We will continue to reform the sector to improve production,” he said.
President Ruto also took the opportunity to wish Kenyans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024. The President and First Lady Rachel Ruto gave food items, which included maize flour, cooking oil, wheat flour, rice, and sugar, among others.
Uasin Governor Chelilim Bii, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and Turbo MP Janet Sitienei were present at the event.
