President William Ruto has reiterated his ambitious vision to elevate Kenya to first-world status over the next three decades, expressing confidence that the nation has the capacity for rapid economic and social progress.
Speaking on a flight Friday morning to Kamandura, Kiambu County, where he was set to launch the mega Rironi–Mau Summit road dualling project, the President said he believes Kenya can achieve developed nation status within his lifetime.
“This is a plan we are implementing from now," he said.
"In my estimation, we should be able to move Kenya from where we are today to a first-world economy in 30 years. It is a reality that by God’s grace, if I get to 90 years, I should be able to see Kenya as a first-world country before I move on. This is how significant that is.”
Ruto urged citizens to share in this optimism, warning that scepticism and negative thinking have slowed the country’s progress. He encouraged Kenyans to trust in their nation’s potential, stressing that development is attainable through careful planning, consistency, and united effort.
“We must dispel the notion that it cannot be done. Many of our peers globally have already overtaken us, and it is time for Kenya to catch up," he said.
The President’s remarks coincided with the government’s plans to roll out major infrastructure and economic initiatives. The Rironi–Mau Summit road upgrade, one of the largest regional projects, aims to enhance mobility, cut transport costs, and open economic corridors crucial for national growth.
Ruto has repeatedly spoken about his long-term goal of transforming Kenya. Earlier this month, addressing congregants at the African Divine Church in Gamalenga, Vihiga County, he outlined plans to steer the country toward industrialisation and high-income status.
“We have the plans and the vision to change this country from a Third World country to a First World country,” he said.
“It is possible to take this country to that level in our lifetime, in about 20 to 30 years.”
Citing the successes of nations such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia, Ruto emphasized that Kenya can replicate such progress through disciplined policies, industrial growth, and improved productivity.
He has consistently warned that breaking free from cycles of poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment is essential for the nation to compete globally.
While attending the UN Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, Ruto expressed concern over Kenya’s slow pace of progress.“It disturbs me that Kenya can be a great nation, but we are not moving,” he said, urging the diaspora to support his economic transformation agenda through investments, expertise, and remittances that can accelerate development.
