Silverio Omari
President William Ruto has directed Cabinet Secretaries to actively engage the public by appearing on live TV and radio shows to clarify the government’s agenda and counter misinformation. This directive follows concerns over misinformation surrounding his administration’s programs, particularly in light of recent protests and the withdrawn Finance Bill of 2024.
Ruto has specifically tasked CSs who are well-versed in government policies to participate in these engagements. During a recent Cabinet meeting at State House, he emphasized the importance of frequent media appearances to bridge information gaps and address public concerns.
On Friday, Ruto himself plans to engage with Generation Z to explain his policies and address their grievances directly. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance communication and transparency regarding Kenya Kwanza initiatives.
Several CSs, including Aden Duale (Defence), Moses Kuria (Public Service and Government Delivery), and Kithure Kindiki (Interior and National Administration), have already made appearances on major TV stations. They have discussed various government programs and responded to questions about recent events, including the deployment of security forces during protests.
Duale, appearing on Citizen TV’s JKL show, defended the government’s actions, including the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to protect key institutions from planned vandalism during protests. Kindiki, addressing concerns of police conduct, denied reports of government abductions during the demonstrations.
More CSs are expected to participate in upcoming radio and TV shows to engage directly with Kenyans, answering questions and providing updates on government initiatives. These efforts aim to provide clarity on Kenya Kwanza projects and address public apprehensions about their implementation.
President Ruto, reflecting on his Cabinet’s performance, acknowledged the need for better communication, particularly regarding the Finance Bill. However, former Cabinet Minister Kipruto Kirwa criticized Ruto’s direct engagement with Generation Z, suggesting a more strategic approach to government-citizen interactions.
