Ruto admits micromanaging his appointees, explains the reason why
By Steve Ireri, October 6, 2025President William Ruto has admitted that he micromanages some of his appointees but explained that such actions stem from necessity rather than desire.
Speaking during the launch of Marsden Madoka’s new book on Monday, October 6, 2025, the Head of State said his close involvement in government operations is driven by the need to confront complacency and mediocrity among some public officers who have grown too comfortable with the status quo.
Ruto noted that there are individuals within government who often dismiss change by claiming they have seen many presidents, using that as an excuse to resist new ideas and accountability.
“Many times I am accused of micromanaging, but when you have reluctant people with the mentality of ‘we have been here, and we have seen many presidents,’ that is the business-as-usual attitude I am fighting against,” the president shared.
He said this culture of business as usual and lack of ambition is what pushed him to take a more hands-on approach to leadership and to raise the level of ambition across government institutions over the past three years.
“It is the reason I have taken it upon myself in the last three years to raise the ambition of our country,” Ruto said.
The president further defended his leadership style, insisting that he cannot afford to remain distant when critical tasks are left undone or handled without seriousness.
He said leadership demands presence, ambition, and commitment, and that being actively involved in ensuring delivery should not be mistaken for excessive control.
He maintained that he takes his work seriously and performs it with passion and dedication, adding that he has no regrets about being an assertive leader.
“You find there are people who are very reluctant leaders. They are there, but they do not want to engage in the work they are supposed to do. They become bigger than the jobs they applied for and only want to own the title and the position without delivering what is required of them. Leadership is not about titles; it is about what gets done,” Ruto added.
Ruto said he has encountered many leaders, including members of parliament and other elected officials, who lose interest in their responsibilities once they assume office and behave as though they were forced into service.
According to him, such leaders lack enthusiasm, initiative, and genuine interest in their duties, leading to poor results and frustration among the citizens they are meant to serve.
He emphasised that leadership is not about holding a title but about producing visible outcomes and fulfilling one’s mandate.
“I try to do my work well and to do it with passion and commitment, and I have no regret whatsoever in being ambitious in whatever I do. Because I have come across many leaders and members of parliament who, once elected, behave as if they were forced into office. They lose interest, they lack passion, and they end up doing a very poor job of the heavy responsibilities that come with leadership,” the president shared.