President William Ruto’s 2026 agenda has hit a fever pitch. During a series of meetings with MCAs from across the country—most notably a high-profile summit with the Siaya County Assembly leadership and later a broader consultative forum in Nairobi—the President made it clear that the “Hustler Nation” roadmap has no room for populist indecision.
1. The “Popularity” vs. “Progress” Paradox
The President’s message was blunt: Leadership is a sacrifice of ego for the sake of the collective.
The Core Message: Ruto told the MCAs that if they focus only on being liked by their constituents in the short term, they will fail to implement the structural changes—such as new tax frameworks and land reforms—necessary for long-term growth.
The “First World” Goal: Ruto reiterated that 2026 is a “consequential year” for Kenya, serving as the launchpad for the country to compete with its 1960s peers like Singapore and South Korea.
2. Strategic Investments in the Wards
To “change Kenya,” the President is leaning heavily on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which he argues must be lived at the ward level.
Ward-Based Funding: He highlighted initiatives like the Ksh 50,000 business grants for youth and women, which are being rolled out to 70 individuals in every ward.
Infrastructural Synergy: The President urged MCAs to align their ward development funds with national priorities, specifically in Universal Healthcare (SHA) and Affordable Housing, to avoid duplication of resources.
3. Taming the Political Temperatures
Ruto also used the forums to address the rising political heat, particularly in areas like Nairobi and Western Kenya, where impeachment threats and leadership wrangles have occasionally paralyzed service delivery.
A Call to Order: Recalling the chaos seen in assemblies like Kericho in previous years, he warned that “nonsense” in the chambers wastes the voters’ time.
Bipartisan Collaboration: He praised the inclusion of opposition figures in his “Broad-based Government,” telling MCAs that “we are one people with a common destiny” and urging them to replicate this inclusivity at the county level.
4. The 2026 Crackdown
Looking ahead, the President warned that his quest to change Kenya would involve a massive national crackdown on corruption and drug abuse in 2026. He tasked the MCAs—as the leaders closest to the ground—to lead the “war on graft” at the source to ensure that devolved funds are not diverted into private pockets.
Conclusion: A Partnership of Results
President Ruto’s 2026 rally to the MCAs is a gamble on transformative leadership. By telling ward reps they aren’t elected to be popular, he is asking them to provide the political cover needed to push through the final phase of his first-trm reforms.
