There'll Be No Negotiation in the Fight Against Corruption - President Ruto

President William Ruto has said the government is committed to eradicating corruption in the country.

The Head of State noted that robust measures have been put in place to tame those hell-bent on misappropriating public funds.

He mentioned that the government is keen on ensuring public resources are used to fund programmes that will transform the lives of Kenyans.

“I want to give you my commitment. In the fight against corruption, there will be no negotiation,” Ruto stated. 

The President made the remarks on Thursday, January 25, during the first day of his three-day development tour of Meru County.

He launched a host of development projects in Buuri, Tigania West and Tigania East constituencies.

The President said the government is investing in labour-intensive projects and the digital economy to create jobs and expand opportunities for the youth.

He said the Affordable Housing Programme has created 130,000 jobs, and another 120,000 are earning a living from digital jobs, working for foreign organisations while in Kenya.

President Ruto said the government has negotiated and secured 500,000 jobs for young Kenyans abroad.

“This is the only time in the history of Kenya that the Government has clarity on how jobs will be created,” remarked Ruto. 

The Head of State said the government is supporting farmers to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure the country becomes self-sufficient in food.

He explained that producing enough food would save Kenya the KSh 500 billion the government spends every year on imports.

“We cannot continue to spend KSh500 billon every year to import food that we can produce locally,” he stated. 

The President said the government will build nine fresh produce markets and a county aggregation and industrial park in Meru County to ensure farmers have a ready market for their produce and opportunities for value addition.

He explained that reforms in the public healthcare system will enhance the realisation of Universal Health Coverage.

The President said the government plans to hire an additional 20,000 teachers to improve the quality of education.

President Ruto said the government will not allow its development agenda to be derailed by those pursuing personal and vested interests.

On his part, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged leaders to focus on the implementation of the government's development agenda.

“Let us focus on the implementation of programmes that will create jobs for our youth,” he said.