President William Ruto has emphasized that his primary focus is not on securing re-election but on transforming Kenya and improving the lives of its citizens.
Speaking on Sunday night, Ruto acknowledged that many believe he should be concentrating on the 2027 elections. However, he stressed that there is more to leadership than just preparing for the next election.
According to Ruto, Kenya needs leaders who prioritize making sound decisions over popular ones, as populist decisions have contributed to the country’s current economic challenges.
“My focus is not on 2027. My focus is on transforming Kenya. There’s a common belief that people must focus on the next election, but there’s more to life than the next election. We need to make the right decisions for Kenya now,” Ruto stated.
He further explained that decisions driven by the desire to be popular have led to the economic difficulties Kenya faces today.
Ruto also highlighted the debt crisis in Kenyan universities, attributing it to the failure to make tough, but necessary, decisions.
“That’s how we end up with our universities in so much debt—because we are unable to make the decisions that will get them out of trouble,” he said.
The President made these remarks during a Town Hall meeting held at KICC with students and other education stakeholders, where he discussed the newly introduced university funding model. Unveiled on May 3, this model aims to ensure that all eligible students receive adequate financial support for their education.
It also promotes access to quality higher education and ensures that students are supported equitably based on their financial needs.
Ruto also addressed concerns about students being placed in incorrect financial bands under the new model, stating that parents and students have the opportunity to appeal if they believe they were misclassified.
He assured that those who appealed would receive feedback within two weeks.
“Every student or parent who appealed the banding in the new funding model will get their responses if they supplied and corrected the information in the portal,” Ruto said, noting that mistakes may have occurred during the data entry process.
Under the new funding framework, students are categorized into five bands, an increase from the previous four bands. The model also eliminates block funding for universities and TVET institutions, replacing it with direct funding for students through scholarships, loans, and household contributions.
