Vihiga: President Dr William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration's focus on ensuring food security, quality education, and accessible healthcare as foundation for the country's sustainable growth. Speaking during centenary celebrations for the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) church held at Nyangori Boys High School, Vihiga County, the Head of State said the government is prioritising the three basic needs to improve livelihoods and promote self-reliance.
According to Kenya News Agency, on food security, Ruto emphasised the need for increased agricultural productivity, saying the government had made deliberate interventions aimed at reducing the cost of fertiliser and seeds, besides fighting cartels that manipulate prices to exploit farmers. The president encouraged Kenyans to use agriculture and create employment, noting that the government is seeking to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade deal with the United States to expand export markets for local produce.
On education, Ruto thanked the church for sponsoring schools and contributing to the overall national education goals. He assured that the government is addressing the teacher shortage and has introduced a new funding model for universities, which has seen reduced tuition fees to make higher education more accessible.
Touching on health, the president reiterated that quality healthcare was a constitutional right under Article 43. He said 260,000 residents of Vihiga County, representing 44 percent of its population, have already been enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA). 'All hospitals, whether county, private, or faith-based facilities, will now receive payments through the new system. Those that continue to charge citizens illegally will face consequences,' he warned.
The president also underscored the government's ongoing efforts in youth empowerment through affordable housing, digital job creation, and industrial growth, which he said were vital in addressing unemployment. 'As we progress together as a nation, we are putting together resources through the Infrastructure Fund to expand connectivity and support inclusive and sustainable development across the country,' he said.