DP Ruto: Bottom-up economy the only way out

Deputy President William Ruto at a past event in Nairobi.  [David Njaaga, Standard]

Kenya needs to change its economic model. This is according to Deputy President William Ruto, who on Thursday said that close to 17 million Kenyans are jobless and must be facilitated to contribute to the growth of the economy.

Speaking at his Karen home, Ruto said that millions of unemployed youth must be absorbed into the country’s transformational agenda.

“How can we make the close to 17 million jobless wananchi be the solution to our problems? We need a framework to change them from being the problem and turning them to be our solutions,” Ruto told comedian Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o on Bonga na Jalas.

Asked why he has not been vaccinated, Ruto said it is essential that frontline workers are first to receive the Covid-19 vaccine and praised Kenyans for adhering to the Ministry of Health guidelines.

“Judging by the results, I think we have done the best that could be done, most importantly, Kenyans have been cooperative. People are working from home; they observe curfews and interestingly, most Kenyans took the advice to limit crowds and movement I think we have tried,” he said.

On whether he is a lone ranger, Ruto laughed off the thought saying that he doesn’t have to work with those perceived to be the political elite.

He dismissed rumors that the Tangatanga movement is crumbling and pointed out that he has been hosting different leaders from across the country, including Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, who took a sabbatical from active politics.

“Yesterday, I hosted over 40 Members of Parliament here at my residence; they were from all walks of life, show me any politician who can manage that?” 

The Deputy President said he cannot rule out an alliance with ODM party leader Raila Odinga ahead of the 2022 general elections adding that he is ready and willing to work with like-minded politicians who have the vision to transform the lives of the poor.