Ruto defends education reforms, calls for unity and self-belief during Maseno visit

President William Ruto during the Alliance High School's centenary celebrations in Kikuyu, Kiambu County on March 1, 2026. [PCS]

President William Ruto has defended ongoing reforms in the education sector, urging Kenyans to focus on progress and reject what he termed as unnecessary pessimism and blame games.

Speaking on Saturday during a visit to Maseno School, the President cited major government interventions in education, including the recruitment of 100,000 teachers and the construction of 23,000 classrooms within three years, saying they represent significant milestones in improving learning conditions.

“There was no crisis when we had a shortage of 100,000 teachers. Now that we have hired them, suddenly there is a crisis. There was no crisis when classrooms were lacking. Now that 23,000 have been built, people still see a problem,” Ruto said.

He challenged critics to acknowledge progress being made, noting that development efforts should not be overshadowed by negative narratives.

The President urged Kenyans to embrace a more positive outlook and focus on solutions rather than criticism, saying national transformation requires unity and shared responsibility.

“Finger-pointing and blame games will not solve our problems. We need collaboration, synergy and belief in ourselves,” he said.

Ruto also called for moral leadership across all sectors, including politics, education, and religion, saying integrity is key to building a stronger nation. He encouraged faith leaders to play a greater role in guiding society towards ethical leadership.

“We need godly leaders across the board who can speak truthfully and help us move forward,” he said.

He further appealed for national unity beyond ethnic, religious, and political divisions, insisting that Kenya’s progress depends on collective effort.

“We are one nation, one people, with a common destiny. We must rise above tribe, creed, religion or colour,” he said.

The President challenged Kenyans to reflect on personal responsibility in national development, saying everyone has a role to play in building the country.

“Before you ask what others have done, ask yourself what you have done,” he said.

Ruto expressed confidence that Kenya has the capacity to become a model for Africa, saying his administration remains committed to strengthening education and driving long-term development reforms.

He added that national transformation would not come from outside, but from the efforts of Kenyans themselves.

“No angels are coming from anywhere. It is we who will build this nation,” he said.

The visit to Maseno School, one of the country’s historic learning institutions, brought together education stakeholders and local leaders, with the President using the platform to reinforce his government’s education agenda and call for unity in national development.

Maseno School marked 120 years since its establishment, with leaders praising the institution for its enduring legacy in shaping Kenya’s academic, leadership, and national development journey.

President Ruto described Maseno as more than just a school, saying it has become a symbol of discipline, service, leadership, and nationhood.

“For twelve decades, Maseno School has stood not merely as a centre of learning, but as a living monument to the enduring power of education, discipline, leadership, service, and nationhood,” said Ruto.

The President noted that generations of students who passed through the institution had gone on to become leaders, scholars, clergy, scientists, and public servants who contributed significantly to the growth of Kenya and East Africa.

“This anniversary is not merely a celebration of longevity; it is a celebration of continuity, institutional excellence, and national memory,” he added.

Established in 1906 by missionaries of the Church Missionary Society, Maseno School began with six sons of African chiefs studying under the shade of the famous Oseno tree.

Ruto praised missionary J. J. Willis for his courage in travelling to the then unknown Mabungo Hills to establish the institution.
“What began with six sons of African chiefs gathering under the shade of the Oseno tree has evolved into one of the most distinguished educational institutions on the African continent,” he said.