The question of whether President William Ruto deserves a second term was discussed directly in a recent episode of Political Ringside, where Ken Onyango shared his views based on his experience working with boda boda riders across the country.
Political Ringside is widely known for hosting conversations on leadership and governance in Kenya, and this particular episode focused on the real situation on the ground.
Ken Onyango, who is the chairman of boda boda riders, spoke about both progress and challenges facing ordinary people.
Drawing from his daily interactions with riders in Nairobi and other regions, Onyango explained that the boda boda sector continues to operate despite difficulties.
Riders start their day early, working long hours to earn a living. However, one major concern he raised is the issue of fake insurance policies, especially those linked to companies like Trident.
He said many riders unknowingly buy these policies, only to face problems when stopped by police. According to him, the Insurance Regulatory Authority has not taken enough action, and his group is preparing to take the matter to court.
Even so, he noted that there has been a reduction in harassment from authorities compared to previous years.
On the performance of the government, Onyango said there are visible improvements. He pointed out that farmers are now getting better prices for maize, ranging between 3,500 and 4,000 shillings per sack, which is higher than before.
President William Ruto inspecting the affordable housing project. Photo | Courtesy
Fertilizer prices have also dropped, making farming more affordable. He also mentioned ongoing infrastructure projects, including improvements along the Thika Expressway and other road networks that have eased transport.
Housing projects were another area he highlighted, saying some units are being offered at around two million shillings, making them more accessible.
He added that markets and stadiums are being built in different regions, while electric motorcycles are slowly becoming available, allowing riders to reduce fuel costs through smaller deposits.
Despite these developments, Onyango admitted that not everything is working well.
The issue of high taxes remains a concern for many Kenyans, as it reduces their income. Youth unemployment continues to be a serious challenge, especially for those relying on informal work. He rated the government’s performance at five out of ten, saying that while progress is visible, more needs to be done, particularly in reducing the tax burden.
He also linked some of the economic pressure to global factors such as conflicts affecting fuel supply, as well as inefficiencies at the county level, including delayed salaries for workers in places like Nairobi.
Onyango encouraged young people to explore small businesses instead of waiting for formal employment, noting that the current education system does not fully prepare them for modern economic realities.
According to him, boda boda riders, who are estimated to be about 2.7 million, see themselves as key economic players who can influence leadership choices.
He stressed the importance of patience and allowing ongoing projects to be completed, while also calling on leaders to listen more closely to citizens and address gaps between promises and reality.
The discussion also highlighted the need for greater inclusion of the informal sector in decision making. Onyango said riders want more opportunities to contribute ideas and access government positions.
He urged voters to support leaders who focus on steady development rather than quick promises without clear plans.
The episode of Political Ringside presented a balanced view of the country’s situation. It brought out both the progress made and the struggles that continue to affect many Kenyans, giving viewers a clearer picture of what is at stake when considering future leadership.
