President William Ruto seems to be using his recent deal with ODM leader Raila Odinga to polish his reputation as he hits two and a half years in office. On Monday, he kicked off a week-long tour of Nairobi, packed with events that appear to serve two goals: showing he’s working well with ODM MPs in the city and launching projects to counter claims his government isn’t delivering.
The projects he’s highlighting are carefully chosen. From opening a Dishi na County kitchen at Zawadi Comprehensive School in Kamukunji to checking on the 4,566-unit Shauri Moyo B Affordable Housing Project, launching the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project (complete with social housing), and starting the Riruta Modern Market Project, the tour is clearly meant to spotlight development.
Analysts say Ruto’s real aim is to win back Nairobi residents and prove his administration is on their side. This has been tough since last June’s Gen Z protests, which kept him mostly stuck at State House, aside from trips outside the city.
Government-friendly influencers and bloggers are buzzing on social media, pushing the tour hard. Meanwhile, the focus has shifted to boasting about the Kenya Kwanza government’s mid-term wins. On Wednesday, Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo ran a four-and-a-half-page newspaper ad listing successes like cheaper fuel and electricity, lower interest rates, better trade, more farming investment, and jobs for young people through digital work, migration, and affordable housing.
But not everyone’s convinced this PR push will work. Economist and political analyst Dr James Wabomba argues it won’t shift how people see the government, given the stubbornly high cost of living and scarce job opportunities for the youth.
“The President needs to tackle the big issues people face right now—like putting food on the table, creating local jobs for young people, and fighting corruption. Building for the future is great, but people won’t feel it yet,” he said.
“And look at what happened during the tour—heckling broke out, and youths were mugging and robbing people. That’s not a good look as we head towards 2027,” he added.
