President Ruto has a noticeable personality trait: he always wants to please people and feels he must have an answer for every question.
Many, including his senior advisers, have noticed this, but the President doesn’t seem to think it’s a problem and keeps acting this way.
After recent protests that kept him in Nairobi longer than he wanted, he has gone back to his old habits.
He is traveling around Kenya as if he’s campaigning for re-election, making big promises and talking about expensive projects as if money is no issue.
Recently, at a town hall meeting in Mombasa, the President faced a question that highlighted this trait.
A middle-aged man, who said he promotes heritage, asked why Mombasa’s Old Town wasn’t attracting as much tourism as similar historic sites in other parts of the world, like Rome and Zanzibar.
Although this question was about Mombasa’s heritage, it seemed like something better suited for local officials, not the President.
He could have directed the question to local authorities who handle such matters. Instead, he felt he had to provide an answer himself.
It’s important to note that preserving heritage sites like Old Town is currently complicated.
The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) is in charge of these sites, but its plans to transfer some responsibilities to local governments have stalled, according to a February 2024 report by the auditor general.
To improve tourism and revenue for Old Town, a team effort involving local groups, building owners, and businesses is needed.
However, the President tried to answer the question himself, without offering a clear solution.
This situation highlights President Ruto’s tendency to act as if he has all the answers, even when it would be better to admit uncertainty and seek advice.
It would be more helpful if he sometimes acknowledged that he needs more input and consultation.
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