Ruto urges civil politics, backs women traders in market plan

President Ruto has called for respectful politics, urging political leaders to focus on performance rather than insults, tribalism or personal attacks.

Speaking on Wednesday during the Maendeleo ya Wanawake forum at State House, he emphasised unity, the role of women in nation-building, and ongoing efforts to support small-scale traders through market infrastructure and grassroots economic programmes across Kenya.

President Ruto emphasised the need for leaders to focus on their development track records rather than divisive political strategies.

“A person is elected based on the work they have done. Every leader should come with their track record,” he said.

He criticised what he described as a lack of seriousness among political competitors, urging them to engage more constructively in national discourse.

“Our competitors need to be a bit more serious,” he added.

The President said leadership should be determined by voters based on clear plans, policies and vision for the country.

“It is the citizens who decide who has a plan, who has policies, vision and agenda,” he said.

Ruto also used the platform to appeal for national unity, warning against divisions along ethnic, religious or regional lines.

“In all the work we are doing, I ask our fellow Kenyans not to allow themselves to be divided on the basis of ethnicity, religion or where people come from. Let us agree to stay united,” he said.

He highlighted the role of women as central to fostering cohesion and development across the country.

“You women are the link that unites the nation of Kenya,” he said, addressing participants at the forum.

The President also outlined elements of his administration’s economic agenda, particularly the bottom-up model aimed at empowering ordinary citizens.

“Bottom-up was meant to bring change,” he said, noting that the approach focuses on uplifting small-scale traders and grassroots enterprises.

Ruto pointed to ongoing investments in market infrastructure as part of this strategy, saying the government is working to improve conditions for small businesses across the country.

“Today we are building 500 markets across the nation of Kenya,” he said.

He explained that the initiative is intended to provide dignified and well-equipped trading spaces for small-scale traders, including women vendors.

“These small-scale traders, including market women, must also have a plan for where they will conduct business, a place with dignity, a place with water, electricity and cleanliness,” he said.

The President added that the markets would include modern facilities aimed at improving business operations and reducing post-harvest losses.

“There will be cold rooms and storage so that their businesses can grow,” he said.

The rehabilitation of markets such as Gikomba was cited as part of broader efforts to support grassroots economic activity and improve livelihoods.

The President said the investments are designed to create an enabling environment for traders, allowing them to expand their enterprises and contribute to national development.

He reiterated that economic transformation depends on inclusive policies that prioritise the needs of ordinary citizens, particularly those operating in the informal sector.

The President’s remarks come amid ongoing political debates in the country, with calls for greater civility and focus on development issues rather than personal attacks.