LIVE: State of the Nation Address – Ruto Marks Third Year in Office
President William Ruto has arrived in Parliament to deliver the 13th State of the Nation Address, a moment that comes at a politically unique time, especially after his unexpected “handshake” with the late Raila Odinga earlier this year.
This shift has created a broader and more cooperative political atmosphere, compared to last year when the opposition, led by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), openly pushed back against many of Ruto’s policies.
Today, however, the mood in Parliament is noticeably different, with leaders anticipating a more unified national message.
According to State House, President Ruto’s speech will focus on major national gains, including economic recovery, national security, reforms in the education sector, progress under the Universal Healthcare programme, large-scale infrastructure and affordable housing projects, rapid digital transformation, and strengthened food security.
Videos and photos shared on Wednesday showed the President in deep preparation for the big day, studying documents and polishing his message. His speech is expected to outline key priorities for the coming months as the government enters its next budget cycle.
Unga Prices Drop as 7 Million Farmers Join Government System – 3:36 pm
In his address, President Ruto highlighted what he described as a major breakthrough in agricultural reform.
He noted that in 2022, only about 300,000 farmers were officially registered. Today, more than 7.1 million farmers have joined the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System, giving the government accurate data to plan better interventions.
Ruto said this new visibility has helped cut out brokers, cartels, and middlemen who have long exploited farmers.
The President also announced that the price of a 2kg packet of unga has dropped significantly — from around Ksh250 in 2022 to as low as Ksh130 today. He credited the subsidised fertiliser programme for driving production up, leading to lower food prices.
This year alone, the government distributed seven million bags of fertiliser and 35 million kilos of certified seeds. By next year, the target is to deliver 12.5 million bags of fertiliser across all 1,451 wards.
Ruto Boasts of Growing Financial Stability – 3:21 pm
President Ruto repeated his claim that his administration has stabilised the economy, pointing to positive assessments from 14 leading international financial institutions.
He said Kenya’s economy is now projected to grow between 5.0% and 5.8%, supported by a stronger shilling that has remained below Ksh130 for the past two years, as well as what he called “sober fiscal management”.
Reflecting on his journey, Ruto said:
“As I prepared this address, I deeply reflected on the long road we have travelled as a nation… The undeniable truth is that we have made meaningful progress, but Kenya still falls short of its true potential.”
He added that Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves have surpassed $12 billion, and inflation has fallen from 9.6% in 2022 to 4.6% last month.
The President also highlighted the country’s improved position in Africa’s economic rankings.
Three years ago, Kenya was the 8th largest economy in Africa with a GDP of $115 billion. Today, the GDP is estimated at $136 billion, making Kenya the 6th largest economy on the continent, according to the IMF.
Ruto Begins His Address – 3:10 pm
The day’s session began with prayers led by Speaker Amason Kingi before Speaker Moses Wetang’ula read the official standing orders for the special sitting.
Wetang’ula also recognised the outgoing Chief Serjeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, Aloisio Nterepu Lekulo, OGW, who is set to retire on November 24, 2025.
He then welcomed President Ruto to the podium.
Ruto opened on a confident note, saying:
“Two years ago, when I delivered my first State of the Nation Address, I had a vision to sell; today, I have a story to tell.”
Top Dignitaries Attend the Address – 2:49 pm
The First Lady, Rachel Ruto, is among the key figures present at Parliament, seated beside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Several Cabinet Secretaries — including Musalia Mudavadi, Aden Duale, Kipchumba Murkomen, John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Mutahi Kagwe, and Alice Wahome — accompanied the President.
The Judiciary is represented by Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and other senior judges, including Court of Appeal President Daniel Musinga.
Former Speakers Francis Ole Kaparo and Kenneth Lusaka are also in attendance.
The Council of Governors Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja are representing the county governments.
Ruto Arrives at Parliament – 2:51 pm
President Ruto arrived at Parliament in the afternoon and was received by Deputy President Kindiki, Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri, and the Speakers of both Houses.
He inspected a guard of honour before entering the main Parliament buildings.
Ruto Enters the Chambers – 2:51 pm
The President then proceeded into the National Assembly chambers for the joint sitting.
As per tradition, he took the Speaker’s seat — normally occupied by Speaker Wetang’ula — with Wetang’ula positioned on his right and Senate Speaker Kingi on his left.
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