Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has mounted a fierce defense of the government, claiming the "national cake" is finally reaching the grassroots.

In a fiery address, Environment CS Aden Duale has championed President William Ruto’s resource allocation strategy, terming it a masterstroke of equity that is redefining development in Kenya. Speaking to a gathering of leaders, Duale argued that for the first time in history, the "national cake"—a metaphor for public resources and development projects—is being sliced and served to every corner of the republic, regardless of voting patterns.

The Politics of Development

Duale took a swipe at critics who accuse the Kenya Kwanza administration of marginalizing opposition strongholds. He pointed to the rollout of massive infrastructure projects, including water dams and rural electrification, as evidence of the President's impartial development agenda. "The President does not look at the tribe or the region," Duale stated. "He looks at the need. The national cake is for all Kenyans, and we are ensuring it reaches the village level."

The CS emphasized that the "bottom-up" economic model is not just a slogan but a practical framework for empowerment. By prioritizing sectors that employ the majority of Kenyans—such as agriculture and small-scale trade—the government claims to be democratizing wealth creation. Duale cited the subsidized fertilizer program and the Hustler Fund as key ingredients in this new recipe for national prosperity.

• Infrastructure Equity: Duale highlighted the construction of roads in marginalized northern counties as proof of the government's commitment to inclusivity.
• Resource Management: The CS stressed that the "national cake" is being baked larger through prudent fiscal management and the sealing of corruption loopholes.
• Political Loyalty: He dismissed the notion that development should be a reward for political loyalty, a departure from the "siaya to siaya" politics of the past.

A Shield for the President

Duale’s defense serves as a critical shield for President Ruto, who is facing growing pressure over the high cost of living and tax hikes. By shifting the focus to long-term development gains, the CS is attempting to buy the administration time and political capital. He urged Kenyans to be patient, promising that the fruits of these "national cake" reforms would soon be felt in every household.

However, the narrative of equitable distribution faces a tough sell in regions that feel left out of key government appointments. Duale’s rhetoric is a call to look beyond the boardroom appointments and focus on the tarmac on the ground.

"This administration is about work," Duale concluded. "We are baking a bigger cake, and we are making sure everyone gets a slice. That is the true meaning of empowerment."