President William Ruto’s record in government is coming under renewed attention as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
A recent assessment by the Institute for Economics and Peace placed Kenya 108th out of 163 countries in its 2026 Positive Peace Index. Kenya’s score improved by 2.3 per cent, moving from 3.494 to 3.414, while its global position improved by three places. The index uses a lower score to indicate better conditions.
The report has renewed discussion about Kenya’s institutions, governance and the conditions under which the 2027 election will be held.
The electoral timetable has already been set, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) scheduling the General Election for August 10, 2027.
Ruto’s administration is also increasingly being judged on the progress of government projects and programmes. In August, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei ordered accounting officers to review the status of government projects, programmes and directives and submit reports on their progress.
The review is expected to give the government a clearer picture of completed projects, ongoing programmes and areas where implementation needs to be improved.
Ruto has previously said he is prepared to have his administration assessed against the promises and commitments made to Kenyans.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders are organising ahead of the election and discussing ways of presenting a united challenge to the government. Several opposition figures have said they are working towards supporting a single presidential candidate.
As the election approaches, issues including government delivery, transparency, public participation, economic management and accountability are expected to remain part of the political debate.
The focus on Ruto’s governance record therefore comes as both the government and opposition prepare to present their respective records, plans and priorities to voters ahead of the 2027 election.