President William Ruto has emphasized that his primary focus is on reshaping Kenya and improving the lives of its citizens, rather than concentrating on the 2027 elections.
In a statement made on Sunday night, Ruto acknowledged that many believe he should be preoccupied with the next election. However, he stressed that governance should not be driven by the political cycle but by what is best for the country in the long term.
Ruto criticized the pursuit of short-term popularity through populist policies, asserting that such decisions have significantly contributed to Kenya’s current economic challenges. He pointed out that effective leadership requires making tough choices for the nation’s welfare rather than simply seeking political gains.
“My concern isn’t 2027,” Ruto remarked. “It’s about transforming Kenya. There’s a prevalent idea that leaders must always be fixated on the next election. But we have to prioritize the right decisions for our nation beyond just electoral success.”
He further elaborated that Kenya’s financial issues, including the debt burden on universities, stem from a lack of sound policy-making. According to him, decisions driven by a desire for popularity have left institutions like universities in precarious financial positions.
Ruto was speaking at a Town Hall meeting held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) with students and key figures in the education sector. The discussion focused on the new University funding model introduced on May 3.
This new model, the president explained, is designed to ensure that all deserving students receive sufficient financial assistance, promote access to quality higher education, and address the specific financial needs of students in an equitable manner. The model replaces the previous Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) method of university funding.