Mid-term: Time to reflect on the past, define strategic direction

As the Cabinet prepares for its third retreat this week, the government will reflect on the journey walked since September 2022 and identify strategic pathways for fulfilling promises made to the people of Kenya.

Mid-term is more than symbolic —it represents a critical point in any strategic cycle. While the administration marked its mid-term on March 11, 2025, the upcoming Third National Executive Retreat will provide a moment to take stock of progress, evaluate impact and make informed decisions about the path ahead.

The question of the moment will be: what difference have our efforts made in the lives of Kenyans and where should efforts be recast to enhance delivery?

The retreat convened by President William Ruto on June 19-20 will focus on the progress achieved in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This agenda focuses on six strategic objectives: lowering the cost of living, eliminating hunger, creating jobs, widening the tax base, improving our foreign exchange balance and promoting inclusive growth.

For citizens, mid-term enquiry will entail a critical examination of areas where they can feel real change – towards measures that matter. Because mid-term is not only about government progress; it is about national progress, measured by the lived experience of every Kenyan.

It is in this spirit that we celebrate the reforms that are making a tangible difference. These include the onboarding of more than 22,000 public services onto the eCitizen platform, significantly improving efficiency and accessibility of public services.

Mid-term is also a moment to have open, frank and honest conversation. Despite best efforts, employment levels remain below target.

The 2025 Economic Survey shows that labour market recovery is slower than expected, especially for the youth and other vulnerable groups. This remains an area of concern and a call to action. Our fiscal position is also under pressure, constraining the government’s ability to deliver on its programmes.

The survey gives important insight into areas where ambitions are yet to be fully realised. It reminds us that while meaningful progress is underway, the journey toward lasting transformation continues.

Mid-term is a watershed moment. It is an invitation for the Cabinet Secretaries, PSs and senior State officials to make bold decisions, honest assessments and unify in execution around the delivery of results that matter to Kenyans.

Looking ahead, two imperatives guide us. First, we remain committed to execution excellence. No matter how sound the vision, it will falter without effective coordination.

Second, we must maintain reform resilience. At mid-term, there can be a tendency to retreat from difficult assignments.

The writer is the Secretary to the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya.