Mid-term: Reflect on the Past, Define a Strategic Direction for Shared Prosperity
As the Cabinet prepares for its third retreat this week, Government will reflect on the journey walked since September 2022 and identify strategic pathways for fulfilling promises made to the people of Kenya.
Mid-term is more than symbolic - it represents a critical point in any strategic cycle. While the Administration officially marked its mid-term on 11th March 2025, the upcoming 3rd National Executive Retreat will provide a moment - to take stock of progress, evaluate impact and make informed decisions about the path ahead. The question of the moment will be: what difference have our efforts made in the lives of Kenyans and where should efforts be recast to enhance delivery?
The retreat convened by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto on 19th and 20th June will focus on the progress achieved in the Administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This agenda focuses on six strategic objectives: lowering the cost of living, eliminating hunger, creating jobs, widening the tax base, improving our foreign exchange balance and promoting inclusive growth.
These objectives are being fostered through targeted investments in five key sectors: Agriculture, Healthcare, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy and Housing.
For citizens, mid-term enquiry will entail a critical examination of areas where they can feel real change – towards measures that matter. Because mid-term is not only about government progress; it is about national progress, measured by the lived experience of every Kenyan.
It is in this spirit that we celebrate the reforms that are making a tangible difference. These include the onboarding of over 22,000 public services onto the eCitizen platform, significantly improving efficiency and accessibility of public services. More importantly, persons with disabilities can now access government services in a dignified and equitable way–an example of inclusive progress made possible by technology.
Notably, the fertilizer subsidy programme has contributed to a bumper harvest, demonstrating the impact of well-directed support to smallholder farmers. This success, however, also highlights the urgent need to strengthen post-harvest management. Without adequate storage, preservation, and market linkages, much of the surplus risks going to waste.
On the policy and legislative front, foundational work continues to support long-term transformation. Among these is the National Cloud Policy, a key enabler of the Digital Superhighway and the Creative Economy, which facilitates secure, scalable, and localized data hosting in Kenya. The Recognition of Prior Learning Policy is opening new doors for many Kenyans, particularly those in the informal economy, by validating their skills and expanding access to jobs, education and training opportunities.
The National Livestock Policy is revitalizing a vital sector that sustains millions of livelihoods, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. By promoting growth across livestock products – from meat and milk to hides and leather – it is opening up new opportunities for enterprise and export development. In health, the Primary Health Care Act, Social Health Insurance Act, Facilities Improvement Financing Act and Digital Health Act are anchoring Kenya’s vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Affordable Housing Act is restoring dignity for Kenyans through expanded access to decent and affordable housing. Meanwhile, the Credit Guarantee Policy is unlocking capital for MSMEs to grow job-creating businesses. The National Policy on Women Economic Empowerment is actively dismantling structural barriers that limit women’s economic participation. Together, these instruments, among many others are marking a decisive shift toward a more inclusive and enabling environment for enterprise, innovation and individual growth.
Mid-term is also a moment to have open, frank and honest conversation. Despite best efforts, employment levels remain below target. The 2025 Economic Survey shows that labour market recovery is slower than expected, especially for young people and other vulnerable groups. This remains an area of concern and a call to action. Our fiscal position is also under pressure, constraining the government’s ability to deliver on its programmes.
The Survey gives important insight into areas where ambitions are yet to be fully realized. It reminds us that while meaningful progress is underway, the journey toward lasting transformation continues.
Mid-term is a watershed moment. It is an invitation for the Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and senior government officials to make bold decisions, honest assessments and unify in execution around the delivery of results that matter to Kenyans. The decisions they make will define the legacy of the 5th Administration.
Looking ahead, two imperatives guide us. First, we remain committed to execution excellence. No matter how sound the vision, it will falter without effective coordination.
Second, we must maintain reform resilience. At mid-term, there can be a tendency to retreat from difficult assignments. But true transformation requires unrelenting resolve to stay the course.
The 3rd National Executive Retreat will radiate the power of the collective. Ultimately, this process matters because it is about improving the lives of all Kenyans.
Mrs. Mercy Wanjau, EGH,
Secretary to the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya
