Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hailed the Kenya Kwanza administration’s progress in lowering the cost of living and expanding healthcare access, saying the government’s economic and social reforms are beginning to bear fruit.
Speaking at Ithookwe Grounds in Kitui Central Constituency during a Women and Youth Empowerment Drive, the Deputy President announced that 23.6 million Kenyans have so far registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), a major step toward achieving universal healthcare coverage.
“We are determined to build a Kenya where access to quality healthcare is not a privilege but a right. The SHA is a game-changer in delivering that promise,” said Kindiki.
At the same time, he revealed that the cost of essential commodities has significantly decreased, easing the burden on millions of households. The price of maize flour has dropped to Ksh 165 per 2kg packet, with a government target to bring it further down to Ksh 120 in the coming months.
Fuel prices have also declined sharply. “We have reduced the price of petrol by Ksh 43 per litre. It now retails at Ksh 174, a relief for both transporters and ordinary citizens,” the DP stated.
On currency performance, Kindiki celebrated the rebound of the Kenyan shilling, which has appreciated from Ksh 167 to Ksh 128 against the US dollar, crediting the turnaround to sound fiscal policies and renewed investor confidence.
He also pointed to major progress in agricultural support, especially fertilizer access. The price of a 50kg bag of fertilizer has dropped from Ksh 7,000 to Ksh 2,500 under the government subsidy program, aimed at boosting food production and lowering prices.
Kenya’s broader economic standing has also improved. According to Kindiki, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) now ranks Kenya as the 6th fastest-growing economy in Africa, up from 8th in 2022, when the Kenya Kwanza administration came into office.
In support of small and medium enterprises, the government is rolling out the Enterprise Support Program (ESP) to construct over 400 modern markets countrywide, complete with cold storage rooms to reduce post-harvest losses and support traders.
“The government is not just talking about transformation — we are implementing it on the ground. From food prices to healthcare and business infrastructure, we are moving Kenya forward,” Kindiki told the crowd.
The Ithookwe event brought together hundreds of youth and women leaders from across Kitui County. The Deputy President urged citizens to take advantage of the economic momentum, access affordable healthcare through SHA, and make use of government-backed programs aimed at empowering communities and enhancing livelihoods.
