Ruto Diary: From football fever to healthcare reform

President William Ruto capped a week of engagements by hosting Nairobi residents at State House, Nairobi, for empowerment on Saturday.

The empowerment saw 15,000 Nairobi residents attend in Nairobi during which they were given equipment to kick-start them in their business.

Some of the items given were motobikes, sewing machines,  water tanks and vehicle washing machines, among many others.

Phoebe Asiyo burial

The President on Friday attended the funeral of the late Phoebe Asiyo at Wikondiek in Homa Bay County.

In his eulogy, Ruto described her as a trailblazing leader.

He hailed her as “a fearless advocate for equality whose work shaped our democracy and opened doors for women in leadership.”

According to Ruto, the late Asiyo was an indomitable leader whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.

“We celebrate the life of Phoebe Asiyo, a bold leader and a true pioneer for women’s rights in Kenya. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and the people of Karachuonyo,” he said.

Earlier in the week, the President’s calendar reflected a mix of sports, development, and economic empowerment activities.

August 3 (Sunday)

He joined thousands of Kenyans at the Kasarani Stadium to rally behind Harambee Stars as they edged out the Democratic Republic of Congo in a thrilling match.

He commended the team’s spirited performance and hailed Austin Odhiambo for securing the win.

“Your victory is the beginning of what promises to be a historic chapter in Kenyan football. Stars Must Win-we are behind you all the way,” he said.

August 4 (Monday)

While meeting leaders from Tharaka-Nithi County at State House, the President underlined the need for bold decision-making to propel Kenya forward.

He noted that government initiatives on universal health coverage, education, affordable housing, and agriculture were already yielding tangible results.

He also highlighted key infrastructure projects in the county, including the construction of the Nithi Bridge and water provision programmes.

August 6 (Wednesday)

Speaking during the Presidential Private Sector Roundtable in Nairobi, Ruto lauded the Hustler Fund for disbursing over Sh72 billion to 26 million Kenyans in under three years.

He said the fund, with a repayment rate of 83.6%, had mobilised Sh5 billion in savings and catalysed growth in small businesses.

“We are providing the right tools and a fair chance to ordinary Kenyans — from mama mboga to boda boda operators — to grow and thrive,” the President noted

August 7 (Thursday)

He met Boda Boda leaders from all Nairobi sub-counties and reaffirmed support for the sector.

The Head of State announced an amnesty for impounded motorcycles not linked to crime, directing the Ministry of Interior and the police to facilitate their release within a week.

He further pledged to back a self-regulation law for operators to ensure safety and sustainability.

On the same day, he signed into law the Gambling Control Bill and the Kenya Roads (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025 at State House.

“Gambling has taken a worrying trend, especially among our youth. We must protect our social fabric,” he said.

He outlined a new framework to balance economic benefits with societal safeguards.

Later at the State House, he launched the National Equipment Service Project, aimed at revolutionising healthcare by upgrading diagnostic and treatment technologies across the country

The initiative introduces a pay-for-service model, replacing costly and fragmented procurement systems.

“We are making health a right, not a privilege,” the President said, emphasising a shift towards smarter, more sustainable health service delivery.