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The Nairobian

Indeed, let's end negativity, celebrate the small things that make Kenya great

Peter Kimani

By Peter Kimani | Oct 31, 2024

**President William Ruto and impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.** [File, Standard]

I fully associate with the sentiments expressed by Prezzo Bill Ruto that Kenyans must end “the negativity,” and celebrate the small things that are significantly altering the state of our nation.

First off, he has impeached his deputy Rigathi Gachagua aka Riggy G, reducing the wage-bill for the few weeks the DP’s office remains vacant. Riggy G’s several hundred workers were sent home or had offices locked down, saving on wages, rent and other incidentals. And in what seems like a towering feat of accomplishment, the price of unga is down to a reported price of Sh97, down from Sh230. I’m not sure how the government connects the increased supplies after a bumper harvest, hence the lower prices, since they only supplied crushed stones disguised as subsidised fertiliser.

Further, it is reported that the shilling has stabilised against the dollar, which is an interesting phenomenon given that the government has been promoting manufacturing, over importing, common commodities.

Another milestone that Prezzo Ruto is celebrating is that the International Monetary Fund aka International Mother and Father, have approved a $600 million loan (to be repaid by our children, when they start working). No explanation has been provided for the surprising slide from 2004, when the national budget was fully funded by taxpayers.

And in what appears to be a reversal of policy, the price of sugar now retails at Sh110, down from Sh250 per kilo, after former Finance Minister Njuguna Ndung’u blamed sugar consumption for rising cases of diabetes, necessitating a hike in taxes to suppress consumption.

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Similarly, the government is hailing the reduced costs of petrol, diesel and kerosene, even though the official policy has been to promote clean and renewable energy. So many milestones, so many contradictions.

As for those lamenting that these milestones are coming two years, on, as opposed to the 100 days promised during the installation of Kenya Kwanza, let them know all other promises will not materialise within the coming few years. It’s just the nature of things in our politics.