President William Ruto addressed youth impatience in Kenya on October 1, 2025, during the launch of the Nairobi International Trade Fair, linking it directly to a generation weary of settling for mediocrity. “The impatience you see in our young people is because they are tired of the average,” Ruto stated, urging patience as his administration pushes economic reforms.
Speaking to a crowd of over 10,000 at the Jamhuri Showground, the President framed the frustration as a positive sign of ambition, amid ongoing debates over unemployment and unfulfilled promises. Ruto’s remarks come against a backdrop of persistent youth-led protests that rocked Kenya in 2024, driven by high taxes, corruption allegations, and job scarcity.
With over 70% of Kenyans under 35 facing unemployment rates hovering around 15%, many young people have voiced disillusionment with “hustler” narratives that once fuelled Ruto’s 2022 campaign.
“They want more than survival; they demand excellence,” Ruto added, highlighting initiatives like the Climate Worx program, which will employ 110,000 youth in environmental projects starting this week. Shifting to healthcare successes, Ruto boasted, “26M Kenyans registered prove SHA is working,” referring to the Social Health Authority’s rapid enrolment since its October 2024 rollout.
The figure, up from 23 million last month, shows public trust in the universal coverage scheme, which allows flexible payments to avoid financial strain during medical emergencies. “This isn’t small; it’s proof Kenyans believe in our approach,” he said, crediting transparency for the surge.
Critics, however, point to implementation glitches, like delayed reimbursements to hospitals, as evidence of rushed reforms. The President’s speech also touched on broader economic wins.
Inflation has dipped to 3.8% from 9.6% in 2022, and Kenya’s GDP now stands at KSh 17 trillion, positioning it as East Africa’s powerhouse. Ruto praised the housing levy for enabling homeownership dreams and agricultural boosts that raised farmer incomes by 20%.
However, some youth sceptics, such as Gen Z activists, dismissed the address as lacking substance, citing unfulfilled promises regarding job creation. “Grants for 100,000 under NYOTA sound good, but where’s the follow-through?” tweeted one protester, referencing the World Bank-backed youth initiative.
Ruto called on leaders to shun incitement, advocating unity over tribalism. He reiterated his July Dandora speech to the youth, urging them not to accept leadership from those lacking a plan.
As Kenya navigates fiscal pressures and IMF demands, the President’s plea for patience tests a restless demographic. With labour export deals to Germany and Canada sending 5,000 workers abroad weekly, Ruto positioned emigration as a bridge to opportunities.
Still, analysts warn that without tangible gains, youth impatience could reignite street unrest, threatening stability ahead of 2027 polls. The trade fair launch, featuring exhibits on tech and agribusiness, symbolised Ruto’s vision of innovation-driven growth. But as young exhibitors networked for gigs, whispers of “Ruto must go” lingered, a reminder that bridging the average-to-excellence gap demands more than words.