Deputy President William Ruto has announced sweeping plans to dismantle key initiatives from the Jubilee administration, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and competency-based curriculum (CBC), triggering concerns within President Uhuru Kenyatta's political circle.
Ruto's proposals include scrapping the SGR's inland container depots, halting the Managed Equipment Services (MES) program, and reversing the 2022 transfer of Kenya Ferry Services to the Kenya Ports Authority. His administration also aims to cancel state company bailouts and overhaul the education system.
Analysts note the SGR project, which Ruto previously endorsed at a 2018 Nakuru conference, has become a focal point of his criticism. A local expert stated, "The SGR was intended to improve port efficiency but was exploited for self-serving agendas that harmed coastal communities."
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui condemned the plans as economic sabotage, questioning why regional development is being undermined for political gain. Meanwhile, Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata argued alternative economic models, like free zones in Naivasha, could better serve local interests.
Ruto's education reforms face opposition from figures like Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi, who called the CBC system "a burden on parents." Ford-Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula echoed this sentiment, vowing to eliminate the curriculum if his party gains power.
University professor Masibo Lumala criticized Ruto's approach, noting his government's role in implementing these projects. "He's exploiting SGR opposition in Mombasa for votes while ignoring opportunities to expand the railway," Lumala said.
On economic policy, Ruto pledged to cancel debts for sugar factories and redirect funds to small businesses. "Redirecting billions from Kenya Airways to SMEs is feasible," he argued during a Bungoma visit.
Jubilee officials, however, warned against dismantling completed projects. Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni called the proposals "retrogressive," emphasizing the need to complete existing initiatives for economic stability.
