I will make Kenya a first-world country at any cost – President Ruto

Speaking at the Kimalel goat auction in Baringo, the Head of State said that Kenya will follow the same development path taken by countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, which were once classified as third-world nations.

“This country, Kenya, we are going to do what other countries did, to become first world. We will make Kenya a first-world country, at any cost,” the Head of State said.

President Ruto maintained that the Bottom- Up Economic Transformation Agenda was never a campaign slogan but a structured plan to lift the country from third world to a first world economy.

“Bottom -Up was not and is not a slogan. It was a plan to uplift Kenya. We have not changed the plan; we are simply implementing it,” he said.

The president pointed to progress in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, saying ongoing reforms are already reshaping the nation. He said that millions of Kenyans have accessed treatment under the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a shift from the previous healthcare system.

He also cited food security gains, noting that more than 12 million bags of subsidised fertiliser have been distributed, and procurement for the next planting season has already been completed.

In education, Ruto said that reforms have eased the transition to the Competency-Based Education system alongside the construction of new classrooms and improved learning infrastructure.  

The Head of State also announced that the road budget for Baringo County has been increased to Ksh.3.4 billion, with construction set to begin in February.

“Besides that, 178 roads will be built across the country next year,” he said.

“The other day, I saw traffic congestion affecting people from Western Kenya. Take photos of that congestion because it will be the last time you see it. The Rironi–Naivasha road will be expanded to eight lanes.”

Earlier on Monday, while commissioning the 132kV Lessos–Kabarnet transmission line project, the president said that the Ksh.1.5 billion initiative will provide stable and affordable power to Baringo and parts of Elgeyo-Marakwet.

“It will deliver critical services, accelerate employment for our youth, and power our economic growth,” he said. An additional Ksh.1.3 billion electricity connectivity program is underway, with Ksh. 530 million already committed.”

During the Tobong’u Lore celebrations in Turkana County, President Ruto said that the country will be halfway through the Ksh.5 trillion development plan by next year.

He said that the large-scale projects under the plan will not be funded through additional taxes or conventional debt, but through a National Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund.

“National Infrastructure Fund is a generational strategy to preserve value, mobilising capital, accelerating delivery, and ensuring Kenya becomes stronger, wealthier, and more competitive.”