All You Need to Know About William Ruto Right Now

If you’re curious about Kenya’s president, you’ve landed on the right spot. William Samoei Arap Ruto has been making headlines across Africa – from economic reforms to political drama. Below we break down what’s happening, why it matters and how you can keep up.

Who Is William Ruto?

William Ruto rose from a humble background in the Rift Valley to become Kenya’s fourth president in 2022. He served as deputy president for eight years under Uhuru Kenyatta before winning the 2022 election with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). His story is often framed as a “self‑made man” narrative, which resonates with many voters who see him as a champion of the poor.

Ruto’s political brand centers on the "hustler" image – he pitches himself as someone who understands everyday struggles. That message helped him secure over 50 % of the vote in a tightly contested race.

Key Policies and Recent Moves

Since taking office, Ruto has pushed a set of reforms called "The Bottom‑Up Economic Model." The idea is to boost small businesses, improve agricultural productivity and funnel government spending toward rural areas. Early signs show mixed results: some farmers report better access to credit, while critics say the rollout is uneven.

Another hot topic is Ruto’s stance on corruption. He promised a tougher crackdown, yet several high‑profile investigations have stalled. Opposition parties accuse him of using anti‑corruption rhetoric as a political shield while protecting allies.

The president also faces pressure over land allocation in the Maasai Mara and Turkana regions. Communities claim that new concessions favor foreign investors at the expense of local rights. Protests have erupted, and Ruto’s response – promising dialogue – is being watched closely.

On the international front, Ruto is working to strengthen Kenya’s ties with the U.S., China and the EU. He recently attended the African Union summit where he pushed for a continent‑wide digital trade corridor. Trade ministers say his agenda could boost Kenya’s export capacity if implementation stays on track.

Domestically, the government announced a new tax relief package aimed at small traders in July 2025. The plan reduces value‑added tax (VAT) on essential goods and offers cash rebates for businesses that register formal operations. Early data suggests a modest uptick in formal sector enrollment.

All these moves have sparked lively debate online and on TV. Some praise Ruto’s ambition, while others worry about policy consistency and the risk of alienating key voter groups.

For readers who want to follow William Ruto day‑to‑day, African News Rehearsal offers bite‑size updates, analysis pieces and expert interviews. We cut through the noise so you can see what the president’s actions mean for Kenya’s economy, politics and everyday life.

Got a question about a specific policy or want to know how Ruto’s decisions affect your business? Drop us a comment – we love hearing from our audience and will tailor future stories to what matters most to you.