President William Ruto has cautioned Kenyans living abroad against relying solely on social media for news about their home country, warning that misinformation and manipulated content are increasingly shaping public perception.
Speaking to Kenyans residing in Rome, Italy, on Monday evening, the President said the spread of false or misleading information online has created a distorted image of Kenya’s progress and governance.
“If you go to social media today, you’ll think there is nothing good happening in Kenya. I ask you not to rely on social media for news about home,” he said.
The President said the government has noted a growing trend of deliberate misinformation, often driven by political interests or personal agendas. He urged Kenyans abroad to verify information through credible and authoritative sources before forming opinions.
Ruto emphasized that digital platforms, while important for communication, can also amplify unverified claims that undermine public trust and national cohesion.
His remarks come amid broader global concern about the influence of fake news on public discourse, particularly within diaspora communities that rely heavily on online platforms for updates from their home countries.
Ruto defends reforms, urges diaspora vigilance
During the address, the President also defended his administration’s economic policies, stating that Kenya has remained resilient despite global financial pressures.
He said the government had successfully steered the country away from a potential debt default, even after Kenya was previously classified among high-risk economies.
“Many people predicted that six countries in Africa would default on debt. Out of the six, five defaulted. Kenya did not,” he said.
Ruto attributed this outcome to fiscal discipline and what he described as difficult but necessary policy decisions aimed at stabilizing the economy. He reiterated that his focus remains on long-term transformation rather than short-term political gains.
“My focus is not about the next General Election. I am focused on transforming Kenya,” he said.
The President pointed to ongoing reforms across key sectors, including healthcare, agriculture and housing, as evidence of progress under his administration.
On healthcare, Ruto highlighted the rollout of universal health coverage through the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that more than 30 million Kenyans have registered within 18 months.
He said the new system marks a significant expansion compared to the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund, which had approximately eight million contributors over several decades.
The President added that SHA is expected to disburse billions of shillings to hospitals for services rendered, a move aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to medical services.
In the housing sector, Ruto said the Affordable Housing Programme has accelerated construction across the country, with hundreds of thousands of housing units under development.
He noted that the initiative has created hundreds of thousands of jobs while contributing to urban development and economic activity.
In agriculture, the President cited increased maize production, attributing the growth to subsidized fertilizer programs and broader sector reforms.
He also pointed to improved earnings for farmers in coffee and sugar sectors following measures to eliminate cartels and streamline supply chains.
“We’ve restored law and order in the coffee, tea and sugar cane sectors,” he said, adding that reforms have enhanced productivity and farmer incomes.
According to the President, sugar production has risen significantly, with the country moving closer to becoming a net exporter.
Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging Kenyans abroad through the establishment of the State Department of Diaspora Affairs, which he said was created to address challenges facing citizens living outside the country.
He noted that the government has facilitated employment opportunities abroad, with hundreds of thousands of Kenyans securing jobs overseas in recent years.
The President also highlighted efforts to regulate recruitment agencies, saying hundreds of rogue firms have been shut down to protect job seekers from exploitation.
Additionally, Kenya has signed bilateral labour agreements with several countries to safeguard workers’ rights and improve working conditions.
These agreements, he said, are part of a broader strategy to enhance labour mobility while ensuring the welfare of Kenyan workers abroad.
Ruto commended diaspora communities for their contribution to the economy through remittances, which remain a key source of foreign exchange.
He urged Kenyans living abroad to continue supporting national development and to act as ambassadors of the country in their host nations.
“Diaspora remittances remain the largest source of foreign exchange in the country,” he said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government is committed to strengthening ties with Kenyans abroad, citing ongoing diplomatic efforts and institutional reforms.
He pointed to the recent appointment of a Kenyan envoy to the Vatican as part of efforts to expand diplomatic engagement and improve services for citizens overseas.
Business leaders accompanying the President also encouraged diaspora communities to invest in Kenya, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
They said increased investment from abroad could play a significant role in driving economic growth and job creation.
As his visit to Italy continues, Ruto maintained that credible information and active diaspora participation will be critical in shaping Kenya’s future trajectory.
