Kenyans Put Their President On Notice Over Broken Campaign Promises, Corruption and Violence

President William Ruto’s administration has reduced funding for several important public services within three years of taking office, even as taxes and levies have increased sharply.

According to the 2025/26 national budget, key social programs started under former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta—such as free education, the Linda Mama maternity scheme, and NHIF—have been either cut or changed. 

These changes are affecting millions of Kenyans who depended on them.

The most affected are students and low-income families. The government has removed university tuition subsidies and replaced them with a new student funding model. 

This model now requires parents to pay a bigger share of the fees, while students only receive upkeep support through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). 

“We don’t know how we will continue with school,” said James Kiprono, a student at a public university in Eldoret.

Health services have also been hit. The Linda Mama program, which provided free maternity care, was left out of this year’s budget. 

At the same time, NHIF was restructured under a new health law that increased monthly contributions and reduced coverage for some services. Many citizens say the changes make it harder to access quality healthcare.

Despite these cuts, the government has introduced multiple taxes. These include a 1.5% housing levy on salaries, higher VAT on fuel, and new excise duties on financial services.

According to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), tax collections have reached historic highs, yet many people say they are not seeing the benefits.

“There are too many taxes, and we’re not getting the services we used to,” said Margaret Achieng, a trader in Kisumu. 

“It feels like we’re paying more but getting less.”

Some roads and infrastructure projects, like the road to President Ruto’s rural home in Sugoi, continue to receive funding. This has raised public questions about government priorities.

The Parliamentary Budget Office and civil society groups have warned that the shift in spending is putting pressure on ordinary Kenyans. They argue the government should protect social programs instead of cutting them.

Protests have erupted across the country over these changes. Youth groups and student unions have been especially active, calling for a reversal of the reforms and greater support for vulnerable citizens.