“President Ruto to Deliver State of the Nation Address: Key Issues to Watch”

President William Ruto is set to deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SOTNA) on Thursday, November 21, 2024, before a joint sitting of Parliament, as mandated by Article 132 of the Constitution. This annual address serves as a platform for the President to report on national progress and outline government measures to uphold Kenya’s values and fulfill international obligations.

Constitutional Basis for SOTNA

Article 132 requires the President to update Parliament and the nation yearly on key developments and achievements in governance, the economy, and adherence to national values. Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, confirmed the special session’s date, emphasizing the importance of this constitutional event.

Key Issues Expected in the Address

The address is anticipated to cover several critical areas:

1. Economy and Cost of Living

• The President will likely address public concerns about rising taxes and ongoing debates around new tax proposals.
• Insights into the government’s plans to stabilize the economy amid high living costs are expected.

1. National Security

• Rising cases of femicide, abductions, and overall safety challenges are likely to be central to his speech.
• The President may highlight measures taken to enhance security and promote peace across the nation.

1. Healthcare Reforms

• Focus will be on the newly launched Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

1. Governance

• The recent swearing-in of Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki may signal a renewed focus on administrative efficiency.

Broader Context

This address comes at a politically significant time, uniting members of the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The event will be closely watched by citizens and policymakers, setting the tone for national priorities as the government navigates complex economic and social challenges.