Kenyans are reflecting on President William Ruto’s three years in office as the nation prepares to mark the anniversary of his election on September 13, 2025. The review of his administration coincides with a historic joint parliamentary group (PG) meeting at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, where Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga co-chaired bipartisan talks between Kenya Kwanza and ODM—a rare gesture of political rapprochement in the country’s often divisive politics.
At the center of national debate are the promises Ruto made during the 2022 campaigns: affordable housing, universal healthcare, job creation, and lowering the cost of living. Yet, three years on, Kenyans remain divided over his performance.
Economy Under Pressure
According to the World Bank (April 2025), Kenya’s GDP growth slowed to 4.5% in 2024, down from 5.6% the previous year, reflecting the impact of global inflation, high energy costs, and reduced agricultural output linked to erratic weather patterns. Unemployment, especially among the youth, remains stubbornly high, with informal sector jobs absorbing the majority of new labor force entrants.
While the government points to flagship projects such as the Hustler Fund, housing units under construction in major towns, and expansion of the NHIF reforms under the universal healthcare rollout, critics argue that these initiatives have yet to ease the economic burden on ordinary Kenyans struggling with rising food and fuel prices.
Karen Meeting and the NADCO Report
The Karen PG meeting, bringing together rival factions under one roof, marks the first time Ruto and Odinga have jointly presided over coalition talks since the contested 2022 elections. The agenda is anchored on the implementation of the NADCO report, which calls for electoral reforms, police accountability, and restructuring of the IEBC ahead of the 2027 polls.
The report followed nationwide protests in 2023 that left 57 people dead, sparking domestic outrage and international concern. Despite the bipartisan MoU signed in 2024 to quell tensions, over 100 additional protest-related deaths have since been recorded, raising questions about the government’s commitment to accountability and respect for civil liberties.
Political Realignments
The meeting also highlighted shifting power dynamics within Ruto’s coalition. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who assumed the role after Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, was present and played a central role in the proceedings. His rising influence signals both consolidation within Kenya Kwanza and a recalibration of alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For Raila Odinga, whose political future has been under speculation, the Karen meeting underscored his continued relevance in shaping Kenya’s governance discourse. Analysts note that the cooperation between Ruto and Odinga, however uneasy, could help stabilize the political landscape but may also alienate hardliners within both camps.
Public Sentiment
Public opinion remains deeply polarized. Supporters credit Ruto with fostering political stability through bipartisan dialogue, rolling out development programs, and advancing Kenya’s profile in international diplomacy. Detractors, however, argue that the administration has fallen short on economic relief, transparency, and accountability, pointing to continued corruption scandals and a widening wealth gap.
As Kenya reflects on Ruto’s three-year record, the tension between progress and disillusionment is evident. The Karen meeting offered a symbolic step toward consensus, but whether it translates into tangible improvements in governance, economic justice, and democratic freedoms remains the central question as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
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