Kenya: DP Ruto Pledges Sh200 Billion Investment in the Bottom-Up Model

Nairobi — Deputy President William Ruto Monday pledged to invest a sum of 200 billion into the revolutionary Bottom-Up Economic Plan if elected President during the 2022 General Elections.

Ruto, while addressing his supporters in Makueni county, revealed that of the funds, 100 billion Kenyan shillings would be invested in projects meant to roll out employment opportunities for four million youths in the country.

Another Sh 50 billion, he said, would be used to finance Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs), the Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS), and cooperatives.

He said an additional 50 billion would be invested in the agricultural sector.

“We need to change the economy and begin with the youths of this country. We need to put them first and find ways to empower them so that we can eradicate poverty in the country,” Ruto said.

The DP said that the funds would enable businesspeople at the lower tier of the economy to run their businesses without the problem of lending and being listed under CRBs.

“Farmers would also be able to produce more food crops that would bring in a lot of revenue to them as well as the country,” he added.

He further emphasized the need for Kenyans to accept the economic model insisting on its aim to economically empower Kenyans.

“The bottom-up approach is here to benefit the lives of Kenyans. It will make sure that everyone who is at the bottom of the economy will be cared for and their needs met. It would ensure the youth in the country are employed; small business owners will be sponsored and farmers get their revenue. Let us all work together to make this a reality in 2022,” Ruto said.

Ruto has been championing the bottom-up approach as his platform for the 2022 presidential election which he said will help the poor by prioritizing the needs of the ordinary people as opposed to those of leaders.

He has previously stated that the current economic disparity which he says disadvantages those at the base of the wealth pyramid, will be tackled once he forms the next government.