By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, July 15, 2026 - President William Ruto has declared that protests, legal challenges and public criticism will not stop his administration from implementing reforms, insisting that difficult decisions are necessary to transform Kenya.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, while hosting AFC Leopards, the President said his government had remained focused on its development agenda despite facing demonstrations and court cases over key policies.
Ruto argued that meaningful national transformation requires leaders who are prepared to withstand public pressure in pursuit of long-term goals.
"If I were fearful because of protests, criticism or court cases and abandoned the housing programme, would we have anything to celebrate today?" he posed.
The President cited the Affordable Housing Programme as one of the government's most contested initiatives, recalling opposition to the Housing Levy and legal efforts to halt the project.
He maintained that the programme is now delivering visible results, particularly in Nairobi, where thousands of affordable housing units are under construction.
"People protested, took me to court and told me not to build houses. But today, those living in Nairobi can see the city is changing," he said.
According to Ruto, the government is constructing about 80,000 housing units in Nairobi while rolling out similar projects across the country. He added that revenue from the Housing Levy is also supporting the construction of markets and student hostels.
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The President said his administration remains committed to implementing reforms that will improve livelihoods, even when they attract criticism.
Reflecting on the challenges his government has faced over the past three years, Ruto said he had chosen to remain resolute.
"For the last three years, it has not been easy. People criticised me, organised demonstrations and insulted me, but I stayed firm because this country cannot change without courageous leadership," he said.
Ruto also pointed to international examples to illustrate the value of long-term planning, citing Norway's sovereign wealth fund and China's economic transformation as evidence that consistent reforms can produce lasting results.
"Kenya can change, and we will change it, God willing," he said.
He added that the government's ongoing health reforms are intended to ensure quality healthcare becomes a right for every Kenyan rather than a privilege for those who can afford it.