Ruto to chiefs: You’re central to Kenya’s transformation

President William Ruto has said that National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), particularly chiefs and assistant chiefs, remain central to the country’s transformation.

Speaking during a meeting with more than 3,000 chiefs and assistant chiefs at the Embakasi Police College in Nairobi, Ruto noted that their work at the grassroots is critical to the success of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The President said the implementation of government programmes in agriculture, MSMEs, digital innovation, housing, healthcare, and education depends heavily on the effectiveness of administrators stationed in villages and sub-locations across the country.

He told the officers that their direct engagement with citizens places them at the heart of national development, emphasising that government policies only translate into tangible outcomes when they are supported and executed at the community level.

“The stability the country continues to enjoy is largely a result of the dedication of NGAOs, the work of security agencies, and the resilience of communities,” he said.

He said BETA is anchored on the understanding that no meaningful economic progress can occur without security, stability, and accountable local leadership.

According to the President, chiefs and assistant chiefs remain the first responders during crises, the daily face of government to millions of Kenyans, and the vital link between the State and citizens in the remotest regions.

He urged them to enhance their vigilance and maintain strong coordination with security teams to ensure the peaceful environment required for development.

In the agricultural sector, Ruto called on local administrators to take a more proactive role in promoting government programmes and ensuring that farmers access the services and inputs due to them.

He asked the officers to swiftly resolve resource-based conflicts, promote equitable distribution of opportunities, and eliminate disruptions in value chains. 

The President further highlighted the progress of the NYOTA youth programme, noting that 12,155 young people have so far benefitted from more than Sh303 million.

He reminded the officers that they are expected to mobilise beneficiaries, encourage fair trading environments, promote transparency in cooperatives and SACCOs, and ensure communities are well informed about available government opportunities.

Ruto also underscored the role of NGAOs in enhancing public awareness and countering misinformation, especially on government programmes that require community participation.

He said administrators must ensure that public land is protected and that ongoing affordable housing projects proceed in an orderly manner, free from interference and speculation.

On healthcare, the President reiterated that health reforms remain a core pillar of economic transformation.

He cited ongoing efforts to strengthen the Social Health Authority registration drive, expand primary healthcare networks, improve insurance coverage, streamline medical supply chains, enhance health facilities, ensure adequate availability of medicines, and operationalise facility management committees.

“Chiefs and assistant chiefs must ensure households are well informed about these reforms and support community health workers during outreach initiatives,” the President said.

He mentioned ongoing efforts to strengthen school feeding and safety programmes and urged NGAOs to support the enrolment and retention of learners, safeguard school environments, and mobilise parents and communities to embrace education initiatives.