Promises vs. Reality: Kenya Kwanza’s Three-Year Report Card

William Ruto on the campaign trail rallying supporters with the Kenya Kwanza message ahead of the 2022 election

Three years since President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance took over leadership, Kenyans are reflecting on whether the government has lived up to its ambitious manifesto and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The administration came to power in 2022 on a promise to transform livelihoods, ease the cost of living, and create opportunities for millions. But has it delivered?

Key Achievements

1. Digital Transformation
One of the clearest success stories is in digital infrastructure. The government has doubled the fiber optic network to nearly 19,000 kilometers, connected counties and schools, and launched thousands of digital hubs. Platforms like eCitizen and the “Gava Mkononi” app have digitized hundreds of government services, making access faster and reducing bureaucracy.

2. Education Reforms
The government has hired more than 76,000 teachers, built new classrooms for Junior Secondary Schools, and expanded student loans and scholarships. These steps have helped ease the transition under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), though challenges in infrastructure and labs remain.

3. Agriculture Boosts
Kenya Kwanza has invested heavily in subsidized fertilizer, leading to higher maize yields and expanded sunflower farming. The minimum guaranteed price of milk has been raised, giving dairy farmers more security. These interventions have stabilized parts of the sector, though input financing and extension services still lag.

4. Healthcare Expansion
Hospitals at Levels 4, 5, and 6 are being constructed across counties, and more health workers have been employed. The government has also taken steps towards universal primary health care, although implementation gaps persist.

5. Housing Projects
Affordable housing, a flagship program, has seen thousands of units launched across the country. Mortgage schemes have been expanded, and some families have benefited from resettlement initiatives.

Unfulfilled Promises and Public Concerns

Despite the above gains, many Kenyans argue that the Kenya Kwanza government has not delivered on its most pressing pledges.

High Cost of Living: Surveys show that the majority of citizens still feel worse off. Prices of food, fuel, and basic commodities remain high, with inflation eroding household budgets.
Jobs and Youth Opportunities: The promise to create one million jobs annually has not materialized. Some industries have even witnessed retrenchments, leaving many graduates and young people frustrated.
Housing Shortfall: While housing projects are ongoing, the scale falls far below the promised 250,000 units per year.
Education and CBC Gaps: Though teachers have been recruited, schools still lack sufficient labs, libraries, and facilities to fully implement the CBC.
Debt and Taxes: Kenya’s rising debt burden and unpopular taxes continue to strain the economy. Credit rating downgrades have raised concerns about the country’s fiscal health.

Percentage Scorecard at Three Years

Analysts rate the government’s performance differently across sectors. A breakdown of progress against key promises shows mixed results:

Digital transformation & service delivery: 75%
Education reforms: 65%
Agriculture: 60%
Healthcare: 55%
Housing: 45%
Job creation & economy: 40%
Cost of living relief: 35%

Overall average score: ~55%

The Verdict

At the three-year mark, Kenya Kwanza’s scorecard is a mixed bag. The administration has made notable strides in digital transformation, agriculture, education staffing, and health infrastructure. Yet, the cost of living crisis, job creation shortfalls, and fiscal pressures overshadow these achievements in the eyes of many Kenyans.

As the country heads into the second half of President Ruto’s term, the pressure is mounting for the government to turn promises into tangible relief for households. Kenyans are asking: will the next two years bridge the gap between vision and reality, or will unfulfilled pledges define Kenya Kwanza’s legacy?
Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: September 13, 2025