Its Better They Call Me Zakayo Than Let Kenya Sink In Debt - President Ruto

President William Ruto has said it is better to be called by Zakayo than allow the country to sink into debt and the youth to be jobless.

Speaking on Wednesday January 17 in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, the President said some people branded him the moniker after he introduced the housing levy.

Ruto argued that the Affordable Housing plan will create opportunities for Kenyans who are jobless.

"The biggest challenge we have in Kenya is that many youths are unemployed. That's why I have initiated a plan to create employment opportunities for these young people. When I said we implement the housing levy, some people criticized me, saying that I am introducing Zakayo's ideas. I would rather be called Zakayo and ensure that the youth have jobs, and I would rather be called Zakayo than see Kenya plunge into debt,” said Ruto.

The Head of State at the same time called on Kenyans to apply for the international jobs that the government has advertised.

"I went to Germany looking for jobs, I have also advertised them in the newspaper for you to apply and You have just been sitting without applying. How do you want me to help you?" Ruto posed.

The Zakayo moniker was imposed on President Ruto in 2023 by opposition leaders led by ODM chief Raila Odinga.

Zakayo is a Swahili version of the biblical Zaccheus who was the chief tax collector in Jericho.