President Uhuru Kenyatta detailed his administration's achievements from 2013 to 2022 during a national address, emphasizing infrastructure development, economic growth, and land reforms while countering political criticism ahead of the 2022 presidential election.
Kenyatta noted that tarmac road construction doubled during his second term, reaching nearly 8,000 kilometers completed and 6,600 kilometers underway, compared to 3,000 kilometers in his first term (2013-2017). He attributed this progress to political stability following the 2018 agreement with opposition leader Raila Odinga, though critics have disputed its impact.
The president cited economic growth from Sh4.5 trillion in 2013 to Sh13 trillion, with government revenue doubling to Sh1.662 trillion by April 2022. He also highlighted a 40-fold increase in power generation and record diaspora remittances of Sh400 billion in 2021, surpassing traditional exports.
Kenyatta defended increased public borrowing, stating infrastructure investments reduced travel times for farmers and improved regional trade. He rejected debt crisis claims, arguing that strategic borrowing enables economic advancement. His remarks countered accusations from the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, which blamed the 2018 political alliance for rising debt levels.
The president criticized Deputy William Ruto and his allies, accusing them of undermining progress through negative rhetoric. He urged the next administration to sustain anti-corruption efforts, avoid political strife, and disregard critics, framing these as lessons from his own challenges with Ruto.
Kenyatta also emphasized his government's expansion of women's political participation, indirectly endorsing the Raila Odinga-Martha Karua presidential ticket. He highlighted land title issuance growth from five million (1963-2013) to 11 million since 2013, along with healthcare infrastructure improvements and social insurance coverage expansion from 4.4 million to 17.1 million people.