President William Ruto has expressed concern over what he perceives as a national tendency to celebrate failure rather than success, a mindset he believes holds Kenya back from realising its full potential.
Speaking during the 60th Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Thursday, May 1, 2025, Ruto pointed out that good news and positive developments are often met with indifference, while bad news tends to receive an overwhelming response.
“In Kenya, people do not believe in good news. People are used to bad news; it is very difficult for people to appreciate success, but somehow people celebrate failure,” Ruto said.
In his remarks, the head of state highlighted an example from the education sector in Nairobi.
He noted that efforts to build additional classrooms in the city would likely be met with little enthusiasm, while news highlighting shortcomings, such as poor education standards, would generate widespread attention and applause.
“If we say we are building additional classrooms in Nairobi, well, it is there and there, but if we say the education in Nairobi is very bad, it is finished; people will clap. I do not know why, as a nation, we never want to hear good news,” he added.
Ruto’s statement reflects his frustration with the public’s tendency to focus on failures instead of celebrating the country’s successes. He emphasised that this mindset needs to change if the nation is to move forward, especially as efforts to develop Nairobi, the capital city, continue.
“So I want to say that we are going to change this city. This city is the face of Kenya; it is the capital city of our republic, and as we do things for Kenya, we must also do things for Nairobi,” he stated, underlining the importance of improving the city’s infrastructure, governance, and public services.
Ruto’s Labour Day promise
During the celebrations, Ruto also unveiled a series of bold measures aimed at making Kenya more self-reliant, emphasising economic growth, enterprise support, and the welfare of workers.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an environment that will enable both individuals and businesses to thrive.
One of the key initiatives announced by Ruto is the direct application of tax reliefs and exemptions to PAYE (Pay As You Earn) calculations.
“We are taking bold and measurable steps to make Kenya truly self-reliant by growing the economy, supporting enterprises and uplifting workers. To boost workers’ take-home pay, employers will now apply tax reliefs and exemptions directly when calculating PAYE, eliminating delays for employees,” Ruto said.
In addition to the tax reforms, the president also announced that all pension and gratuity payments, both public and private, will be tax-exempt. This measure, Ruto explained, is designed to honour retirees and ensure that they can live their post-work lives with dignity and security.
“Further, all pension and gratuity payments, public and private, will be tax-exempt, honouring our retirees and protecting their dignity,” he added.
