My Schedule Is Packed for Six Months, Ruto Rejects Calls for a Break

President William Ruto has said his schedule is fully booked for the next six months, rejecting suggestions that he should slow down and insisting that Kenya must accelerate its development efforts.

Speaking at Nkarusha Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kajiado County, Ruto said Kenya cannot afford complacency if it is to catch up with countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea. He noted that these nations were once at a similar stage of development but have since made significant economic progress.

The President said Kenya had lost valuable time in the past and must now work harder to close the gap. He argued that sustained effort is necessary if the country is to reach the level of its international peers and eventually surpass them. Ruto also said the progress achieved by his administration reflects both national commitment and divine favour.

His remarks came amid criticism of his demanding schedule, particularly after his recent trip to Europe. Dismissing concerns, Ruto said his decision to remain actively engaged after returning was intentional and aligned with his belief that he has a responsibility to serve at this moment in the country's history.

“I looked for this presidency myself because I have faith that God has a purpose in me to be the President at this time,” he told congregants. 

He added that his goal is to help build a country that Kenyans can be proud of.

In a show of support, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga defended the President’s nationwide tours and economic policies. 

Responding to claims that project launches are being used for early political campaigning, Oburu said the visits are legitimate inspections of development projects. He praised Ruto’s work rate, saying no previous Kenyan president had demonstrated a similar level of energy in travelling across the country to monitor government programmes.

Oburu also supported the government’s borrowing strategy, arguing that domestic financing is preferable to external loans, which often attract higher interest costs. He cited initiatives such as the Housing Levy and the National Infrastructure Fund as measures that could strengthen the country’s financial independence.

Addressing concerns about budget deficits, Oburu said such challenges are common around the world and that the key issue is how governments choose to finance them.