Note: This biography is written by an independent platform in a neutral, factual tone. It is not an official or authorised biography. For official information, visit president.go.ke.
William Samoei Ruto
5th President of the Republic of Kenya
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Who is William Ruto?
William Samoei Ruto is the 5th President of the Republic of Kenya, elected in the August 2022 general election and inaugurated on 13 September 2022. He previously served as Deputy President of Kenya from 2013 to 2022. This page provides a neutral, structured overview of his public life, education, political career, and presidency. Information is written in a factual and non-promotional tone.
Early Life
William Samoei Ruto was born on 21 December 1966 in Sambut village, Uasin Gishu County, in what was then the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. He grew up in Kamagut, Eldoret, in a modest family. He is of the Tugen sub-group of the Kalenjin community. Reports describe him as having sold chickens and eggs to fund his education, a narrative that became central to his political identity.
Education
Ruto attended Wareng Primary School and Kapsabet High School. He went on to study at the University of Nairobi, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Zoology. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Planning and Management, also from the University of Nairobi.
Entry into Politics
Ruto entered national politics in the 1990s as a supporter of then-President Daniel arap Moi and became active in the youth wing of KANU (Kenya African National Union). He was first elected to Parliament in 1997, representing Eldoret North constituency. He rose through successive government positions including Minister for Home Affairs (2008), Minister for Agriculture (2008–2010), and Minister for Higher Education (2010–2013) under President Mwai Kibaki's coalition government.
Deputy Presidency (2013–2022)
In the 2013 general election, Ruto ran as Deputy Presidential candidate alongside Uhuru Kenyatta under the Jubilee Coalition and was elected. The Kenyatta-Ruto ticket was re-elected in 2017. During this period, Ruto was involved in several major government programmes including the Big Four Agenda (universal healthcare, affordable housing, food security, manufacturing). His relationship with President Kenyatta became publicly strained toward the end of the second term.
2022 Presidential Election
Ruto ran for President in the 9 August 2022 general election under his Kenya Kwanza coalition, running on a "bottom-up economic transformation" agenda. He ran against former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (backed by the Azimio la Umoja coalition). The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared Ruto the winner with approximately 50.49% of votes. The result was contested at the Supreme Court of Kenya, which upheld Ruto's election on 5 September 2022. He was inaugurated on 13 September 2022.
Presidency (2022–Present)
As President, Ruto has pursued what his administration describes as a "bottom-up economic transformation agenda" emphasising support for small traders, farmers, and informal sector workers. Key policy themes include affordable housing, agriculture subsidies, digital economy development, healthcare reforms (Social Health Authority), and revision of the tax framework. His administration has also been active in international diplomacy, particularly within the East African Community (EAC) and African Union (AU).
Key Policy Themes
The major policy themes associated with the Ruto presidency include: Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Affordable Housing Programme, Social Health Authority (SHA) reforms, fertilizer subsidy programme for farmers, Digital Economy and e-government initiatives, infrastructure development, and climate action commitments. These are tracked individually in the Policy Tracker section of this platform.
About This Page
This biography is compiled from publicly available information and should be verified against primary sources. This platform is independent and not affiliated with President Ruto, State House, or any government agency. For official information, visit president.go.ke.