Government Responds to BBC Exposé on Ruto Jobs Creation

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura asserted that President William Ruto has successfully facilitated the employment of over 270,000 young individuals across various sectors since taking office.

Mwaura has vehemently refuted a BBC article that had claimed a net loss of jobs in the country, clarifying that Ruto has, in fact, secured 350,000 job opportunities abroad for Kenyans in the near future. Addressing concerns raised in the article, Mwaura emphasizes President Ruto's dedication to implementing the transformative manifesto for Kenya. He specifically debunks claims about increased charges for obtaining official documents, stating that fees for birth and death certificates, passports, and National Identity cards have remained unchanged.

Mwaura further highlights that Kenya's inflation rate is comparatively low at 6%. Citing data from the World Bank, the Government Spokesperson points out that Kenya is recognized as the 29th fastest-growing economy globally. Meanwhile, the Office of the Government Spokesperson anticipates a significant boost in tourism, forecasting over 2.5 million visitors in the coming years and a further increase to 4.5 million by the 2026/2027 financial year.

While acknowledging economic challenges stemming from increased taxes and the departure of some companies, Mwaura underscores that Kenya's taxation remains relatively lower compared to other developed nations. In response to the government's statement, the BBC has issued a correction addressing inaccuracies in their article, including details related to fees for birth and death certificate applications. The government seeks to rectify any misconceptions surrounding President Ruto's efforts to generate employment opportunities, as well as highlight the positive trajectory of Kenya's economy.

"Correction and update: This article has been corrected to reflect that the price of ID cards and other official documents has not taken effect. It has also been updated to reflect the government's position on its record on spending, job creation and tourism,"reads the BBC correction in part.