Ruto unveils Sh4 trillion development plan to propel Kenya to first-world status

Kenya now requires at least Sh4 trillion to finance an ambitious development blueprint that President William Ruto says will propel the nation into first-world status.

Speaking on Sunday during a church service at the African Divine Church in Gamalenga, Vihiga County, Ruto said the plan, which will soon be presented to Parliament, focuses on major investments in infrastructure, energy and agriculture.

“This country is going to move from a third-world country to a first-world country because we have the vision for it. We will be presenting proposals to Parliament in the next few weeks on how to move Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country,” he said.

The President outlined that Kenya needs about Sh1.5 trillion for roads, railways and airports, another Sh1.5 trillion for energy expansion and an additional Sh1.5 trillion for agriculture and irrigation, which includes bringing two million acres under cultivation.

“Sh4 trillion is possibly the money we need to be able to move our nation from importing food to exporting products,” Ruto said.

He insisted that raising the money would not require any tax hikes.

“To raise that money, we do not have to increase taxes; we do not have to do anything extra. Ni akili inahitajika,” he said.

Ruto said the transformation could be achieved through innovation, sound planning and partnerships, stressing that Kenya has the human capital and resources to compete globally.

“Our being a third-world country is a mistake. We have the men and women, the plans, and the vision to move Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country,” he added.

The President cited the rapid development of nations like Singapore, South Korea, China, Malaysia and India as examples that Kenya could emulate.

“The way other countries have developed, Kenya can also move forward in the next 20 to 30 years. We cannot continue with poverty, joblessness, and poor roads. China, Malaysia, Singapore and India made it, and we can do it too,” he said.

Ruto called on Members of Parliament and all leaders to back the proposals, arguing that unity and collective effort are essential to national progress.

“I am asking Members of Parliament and all leaders to support this plan. In our lifetime, Kenya will move from a third-world to a first-world country. We can go places if we work together. Unity is strength. When we have unity, God commands blessings,” he said.

He also rejected claims that Kenya is a failed state, terming them baseless.

“Shame on those who say Kenya is a failed state. Kenya is a blessed nation, a great nation, and we are moving forward because we believe in ourselves, we believe in God, and we believe in our country,” Ruto said.

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“Where there is unity, God commands a blessing. That’s why we have formed an inclusive government, because unity is God’s will.”

During the visit, the President announced the construction of 3,000 affordable housing units across Vihiga County, 1,000 each in Luanda, Mbale, and Chavakali, to create jobs and reduce pressure on agricultural land.

“We must preserve land for food production. If we lose land for farming, we will face hunger,” Ruto warned.

Complementing the housing plan, the government will invest Sh300 million in new market facilities, including a Sh70 million market in Luanda and another in Banja, complete with storage units, cold rooms and business stalls to support small-scale traders and farmers.

Ruto also encouraged residents to register under the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), a universal healthcare program. He revealed that 266,000 residents, about 40 per cent of Vihiga’s population, have already enrolled.

“Health is a right for every Kenyan, not just the rich or those with jobs. Every citizen should go to the hospital, get treated, and return home without paying anyone,” he said.

He added that the national government will supply medical equipment directly to hospitals and dispensaries, removing the need for counties to purchase it independently.

“Whether you like it or not, Vihiga must rise. We must lift it higher,” Ruto said.

The President said the government plans to bring two million acres under irrigation and ensure regions are connected through improved transport networks. He reiterated that Kenya can achieve first-world status in 20 to 30 years if focus is maintained.

“We have the greatest potential as a nation. Our being a third-world country is a mistake. We have the men and women, the plans, and the vision to move Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country,” he said.

He stressed that Kenya does not need to increase taxes to fund the plan, noting that strategic planning and resource management will be sufficient.

“We should not allow those people who are talking ill of our nation and predicting doom every day. They have no plans for progress but to drag us behind. When you hear some people talk, you wonder why they are leaders. If they don’t believe anything good can come from Kenya, why do they want to lead this country? Give us a break,” he said.

The Head of State called for unity among national and county leaders, highlighting that collaboration is vital for Kenya’s development and the prosperity of future generations.

“We can only grow as a country if the leaders can join together. This is the moment for Kenya to rise,” he said.