While President painted a rosy picture, some elements didn't add up

When President William Ruto gave a broadcast interview from State House, Sagana, he painted a picture of a thriving country.

He spoke of expansive infrastructure and flourishing agriculture, while reassuring Kenyans that tea exports to Sudan were ongoing despite reports of a ban.

But were these claims backed by hard facts, or was this another round of political optimism?

Claim 1: Sudan still imports Kenyan tea despite an official ban

President Ruto asserted that, despite an official suspension, Sudan continues to import Kenyan tea.

He may have based this claim on a statement by an advisor to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), El Basha Tebeig, who posted on X that RSF-controlled areas would “guarantee the smooth passage of Kenyan goods into Sudan.”

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Fact-check: False.

The Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi refuted Ruto’s claim, stating that Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply imposed a ban on Kenyan imports on 11 March 2025 and that the decision is being strictly enforced.

Their statement read: “Since then, no Kenyan products, including tea, have been imported into Sudan.”

Despite Ruto’s assertion, official trade channels confirm that Sudan has ceased importing Kenyan tea, making his claim inaccurate.

Claim 2: Government has dismantled cartels in the milk, tea, and coffee sectors, boosting farmers’ earnings

Ruto stated that his administration’s reforms have increased farmer profits, highlighting several achievements:

The price of milk per litre has risen from Sh35 to Sh50. Fertiliser costs have dropped from Sh5,500 to Sh2,500 per bag. Agricultural revenue has grown from Sh170 billion to Sh215 billion.

Coffee farmers are now earning over Sh100 per kilogram.

Fact-check: Partially true.

While coffee farmers in regions like Nyeri have reported higher earnings due to direct market access, the tea sector is struggling.

A Tea Board of Kenya report showed a decline in both production and exports in 2024:

Production dropped by 2.73 million kilos. Auction sales fell by 3 million kilos. Exports declined by 9.03% in October 2024 alone, mainly due to poor rainfall.

Additionally, farmers in Gatundu, Kiambu County, have complained about high input costs and fertiliser shortages, warning that these challenges could offset recent gains.

While there are notable improvements, systemic issues remain unresolved.

Claim 3: The 560-kilometre Mau Mau roads project is 50% complete

The President claimed that the Mau Mau roads, connecting Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, are halfway done.

He also mentioned securing Sh36 billion from China, with Sh15 billion allocated to Mt Kenya roads and an additional 400 kilometres planned.

Fact-check: Unverified.

While the government secured Sh36 billion from China, no publicly available documentation details how these funds were allocated.

Additionally, the Mau Mau roads project has been stalled for years, with reports indicating it was below 50% completion as of 2023.

Without independent verification of progress, this claim remains uncertain.

Claim 4: Rigathi Gachagua sought Sh10 billion for political influence in Mt Kenya

Ruto alleged that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua demanded Sh10 billion to solidify his influence in the Mt Kenya region.

Gachagua countered by claiming he was offered Sh2 billion to resign.

Fact-check: Unverifiable.

These accusations stem from political infighting, with no documented evidence supporting either side. However, Ruto’s assertion that Gachagua secured only five votes in the 2022 UDA running mate selection is true, as reports confirm that Kithure Kindiki was the frontrunner before Ruto chose Gachagua.

Claim 5: Government achievements in housing, healthcare, and education

Affordable Housing:

Ruto claimed significant progress in the housing fund, but Housing CS Alice Wahome recently clarified that contributors must still purchase the houses—contradicting earlier government assurances of automatic ownership.

No verifiable data shows Kenyans moving into these homes yet.

Fact-check: False.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC):

Ruto highlighted UHC as a success, but Kenyans continue to pay out of pocket due to inefficiencies in the Social Health Insurance Fund. Healthcare workers have raised concerns about the system’s instability.

Fact-check: False.

Education Sector:

The implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) education remains problematic, with Grade 9 learners lacking classrooms.

Textbook shortages persist, with some still unpublished as of February.

The new university funding model has left some students unable to access financial aid.

Fact-check: False.

Claim 6: Miraa farmers are getting better prices

Ruto stated that miraa prices were revised on 15 February and officially gazetted.

Fact-check: True.

Grade 1 miraa prices rose from Sh700 to Sh1,300 per kilogram.

Grade 2 miraa now retails at Sh1,000, up from Sh500 per kilogram.

Claim 7: A candidate from Meru County was appointed as an ambassador

Ruto stated that he fulfilled his promise to the Meru people by appointing one of their own as an ambassador.

Fact-check: True.

Kubai Iringo was appointed, with his appointment officially recorded.

Final Verdict

While Ruto’s speech projected an image of progress, several claims do not hold up under scrutiny. Some have elements of truth, while others are exaggerated, unverified, or outright false. With less than three years left in his term, the real test will be whether these promises translate into tangible results or remain political rhetoric.