UDA’s Hassan Omar defends Ruto’s economic record, citing major gains

In a statement responding to criticism attributed to a local daily, Omar argued that the President’s policies have restored stability to an economy that was “on the brink of collapse.”

He described Ruto’s leadership as transformative, pointing to improved fiscal discipline, stronger international confidence, and targeted social programs.

According to Omar, inflation has fallen sharply from 9.6% to 4% in just two years, giving households much-needed relief from the rising cost of living. The Kenya shilling, he added, has appreciated significantly, strengthening from Ksh 167 to the dollar to a stable Ksh 129, making it one of the best-performing currencies in global markets this year.

At the same time, Omar noted that Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves have nearly doubled, rising from $5.8 billion to $11.8 billion, ensuring greater stability in trade and import cover. These gains, he said, have been recognized by international financial institutions.

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized Kenya as the sixth-largest economy in Africa. These are not opinions; they are facts that reflect the steady hand with which President Ruto has steered our economy,” Omar said.

He dismissed critics for what he called “selective blindness,” accusing them of overlooking the “unprecedented socio-economic transformation” underway since Ruto took office in 2022.

“The Kenya Kwanza administration has not only met its sovereign obligations but also designed creative ways to fund infrastructure without reckless borrowing,” he said, contrasting the current government’s approach with what he described as “the unsustainable debt practices of the past.”

Beyond macroeconomic indicators, Omar highlighted reforms and programs aimed at ordinary Kenyans.

He praised the new student-centered university funding model, which he said has stabilized higher education by easing the financial strain on families and safeguarding institutions from collapse.

He also pointed to youth empowerment initiatives such as Kazi Majuu, which has created employment opportunities for over 400,000 young Kenyans abroad, and Kazi Mitandaoni, which supports digital entrepreneurs through ICT hubs and the Jitume program.

Additionally, the Kazi Kwa Ground program has mobilized nearly half a million young people in local infrastructure projects, including housing, roads, and market development.

Omar said that millions of Kenyans were benefiting directly or indirectly from these initiatives, which he described as a tangible expression of the bottom-up economic model that Ruto campaigned on.

Omar further noted the administration’s achievements in peace and security, citing the surrender of 140 illegal firearms in the North Rift in the past month alone as evidence that government interventions were bearing fruit.

He also praised Ruto’s leadership on the international stage, particularly on climate change, pointing to the successful hosting of the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi in 2023.

“President Ruto is not only repositioning Kenya but also Africa on the global stage. His voice reverberates across capitals and multilateral platforms, making him one of the most respected Pan-African leaders today,” Omar asserted.

While acknowledging the importance of media scrutiny in governance, Omar accused some outlets of “misrepresenting facts to suit narrow interests.”

He urged critics to base their arguments on evidence rather than what he described as “malice and envy,” insisting that the country is on a positive trajectory.