Is President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government overwhelmed by the numerous projects it has launched since taking office in 2022?
Critics argue that the administration is attempting to tackle too many initiatives simultaneously without successfully completing any.
Unlike former President Mwai Kibaki, who focused on fully implementing free education, Ruto’s government is juggling multiple reforms ranging from affordable housing to university funding and police reforms without clear results.
One of the latest initiatives is the health financing program set to begin on October 1 through the Social Health Authority (SHA), intended to replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
However, the rollout has been slow, with only 2 million out of a targeted 12 million households registered by the deadline.
Analysts are concerned that the Ruto administration excels more at making promises than delivering tangible results, particularly amid growing tensions between the President and his deputy.
The administration’s flagship projects have encountered legal challenges and implementation setbacks. For example, the Affordable Housing Project and the universal health insurance program faced delays after court rulings questioned their legality.
The SHA itself is entangled in a court case, as MPs, led by Kitutu Chache MP Antony Kibagendi, raised concerns over the Sh104 billion budget for setting up the IT infrastructure.
Many question the decision to replace NHIF entirely rather than upgrade its existing infrastructure.
Critics argue that this mirrors the costly Standard Gauge Railway project under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, which unnecessarily replaced an existing line.
Ruto’s administration faces scrutiny for its rapid implementation of sweeping reforms, such as a new university funding model and various infrastructure projects.
With no significant achievements since taking office, some lawmakers, including Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, urge the government to fulfill its promises, warning that projects like SHA could fail without addressing ongoing legal and operational challenges.
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