Ruto says Kenya can attain first-world status within three decades
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.
President William Ruto has renewed his pledge to propel Kenya toward first-world status over the next three decades, expressing confidence that the country can achieve rapid economic transformation through long-term planning, consistent policy implementation and unified national effort.
Speaking on a flight Friday morning to Kamandura, Kiambu County, where he launched the mega Rironi–Mau Summit road dualling project, the President said he believes Kenya can achieve developed nation status within his lifetime.
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“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.”
He urged Kenyans to adopt a more optimistic outlook, warning that persistent scepticism and negative thinking had slowed the nation’s progress.
According to him, Kenya’s advancement will depend on long-term planning, disciplined execution, and collective 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, speaking at the African Divine Church in Gamalenga, Vihiga County, he said the government had a clear plan to industrialise the country and push it toward 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.”
He cited the progress of nations such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia as examples that Kenya could follow through disciplined policies, industrial expansion, and improved productivity.
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