![Ruto pitches more private sector partnerships with China in Beijing](https://static.ntvkenya.co.ke/uploads/2024/09/ruto-320x240.jpg)
Ruto says Azimio using cost of living to drive agenda
President William Ruto has said the violent protests by the opposition in Kenya have little to do with the high cost of living and are mostly about the elections.
According to Ruto, the protests are about the August 2022 general election, which was settled.
“The riots in Nairobi are not so much about the cost of living. It is so much about some election results which are a settled matter. But of course, because the cost of living is a pregnant issue, it is an emotive issue. Our competitors are trying to take advantage of it,” said Ruto.
Even so, speaking to Germany’s DW, Ruto acknowledged that the country is facing a myriad of issues including the high cost of living.
The Head of State said he is working to resolve the crisis through imports of foods and empowering farmers to increase the country’s produce.
“We have registered 5 million farmers. We are providing fertilizers and seeds for them to grow. And we are importing food from across the globe where some of the imports arrived last week. We’ve cleared some of them to begin to tamper the price of commodities.”
He added, “We are also investing long term on irrigation and but that’s part of the conversation I will be having with German officials on how we can work together to change our agriculture from being rain-fed to being an agriculture under irrigation.”
When asked about the increase of taxes, a sticking point for the opposition, Ruto said, “There are no increases of any taxes that we have proposed that are punitive.”
The opposition led by Raila Odinga has accused the Kenya Kwanza government of increasing taxes that have further exacerbated the high cost of living.
In defending his government, Ruto rejected claims that the increase in taxes have anything to do with a discussion between Kenya and the International Monetary Fund.
“The IMF has no role in how we run the affairs of our country. We are in charge of the economy,” he said.
In August 2022, IMF and Kenya agreed on three conditions, known as structural benchmarks, which include the implementation of a national tax policy, the elimination of fuel subsidies, and a push for Kenya Power to close its fiscal gap completely by 2023.
These terms added to Kenya’s 38-month $2.34 billion (KES 276 billion) loan deal signed in April 2021 under the special drawing rights (SDR), which is currently being settled in tranches and will be carried over to the next administration.
According to the police on Monday, March 27, property of unknown cost was destroyed during the demonstrations including a break into Northlands property linked to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and East Africa Spectre, linked to opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome said 23 police officers were injured and two police cars were destroyed.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Raila vowed to continue with the mass protests every Monday and Thursday.
Ruto is on an official visit to Belgium and Germany and is expected to meet his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and hold talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Germany in Berlin.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.