President Ruto and Raila Odinga Commit to National Dialogue

President William Ruto has pledged to fully implement the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and addressing critical national issues. Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Ruto outlined a ten-point agenda developed in collaboration with opposition leader Raila Odinga, aimed at fostering unity, transparency, and equitable development across Kenya.

The NADCO report, a product of the Ruto-Raila pact, focuses on key areas such as reducing the cost of living, tackling youth unemployment, promoting gender inclusion, and strengthening devolution. Ruto assured Kenyans that his government would take deliberate steps to ensure equal participation in leadership and decision-making processes.

Key Commitments of the NADCO Report

President Ruto highlighted the shared vision of Kenya Kwanza and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to address pressing national challenges. The ten-point agenda includes:

Inclusivity in Governance: Ensuring equal representation and participation in leadership roles.
Cost of Living: Implementing measures to alleviate economic pressures on citizens.
Youth Unemployment: Creating opportunities for young people through job creation and entrepreneurship.
Gender Inclusion: Promoting equal opportunities for women in all sectors.
Devolution: Strengthening county governments to enhance service delivery.
Integrity in Leadership: Upholding ethical standards and accountability.
Peaceful Assembly: Protecting the constitutional right to peaceful protests.
Fiscal Discipline: Managing national resources prudently and reducing Kenya’s debt burden.
Anti-Corruption: Combating corruption and wastage of public resources.
Rule of Law: Respecting judicial decisions and safeguarding citizens’ rights.

Ruto emphasized the importance of transparency and responsible borrowing, promising an audit of past debts to promote fiscal accountability.

Strengthening Devolution and Youth Empowerment

Both President Ruto and Raila Odinga reiterated their commitment to strengthening devolution, ensuring that county governments have the resources and autonomy to deliver services effectively. They also pledged to create job opportunities for young people, recognizing youth unemployment as a critical issue requiring urgent attention.

“Jobs, wealth, enterprise opportunities, and social services must be provided within an environment that is free, open, democratic, and competitive,” Ruto stated.

Fighting Corruption and Upholding the Rule of Law

The leaders vowed to combat corruption and eliminate the wastage of public resources. Ruto assured Kenyans that his administration would respect judicial decisions and protect the rights of all citizens. He emphasized the need for integrity in leadership, stating, “We move forward with a shared commitment—not only to doing the right things for our nation but also to ensuring they are done right.”

A Historic Moment for Kenya

President Ruto described the NADCO initiative as a pivotal moment in Kenya’s history, calling for unity and a shared vision for the nation’s future. “This moment is unlike any other. It is not enough to merely identify systemic and structural obstacles that have denied generations a fair chance to achieve their aspirations. More importantly, we must rise above political differences and embrace a higher vision of the Kenya we all deserve,” he said.

Raila Odinga echoed these sentiments, drawing parallels to his 2018 collaboration with former President Uhuru Kenyatta through the “handshake” that brought political stability to the country.

Conclusion

The Ruto-Raila pact and the NADCO report represent a significant step toward addressing Kenya’s most pressing challenges. By fostering inclusivity, promoting transparency, and strengthening governance, President Ruto and Raila Odinga aim to create a more equitable and prosperous Kenya. Their shared commitment to dialogue and collaboration offers hope for a brighter future for all citizens.