“Kenya Will Be A First-World Country At Any Cost!” – Ruto Declares
President William Ruto stated on Monday that his administration is committed to transforming Kenya into a first-world country, adding that the path is irreversible and will be completed “at any cost.”
Speaking at the Kimalel goat sale in Baringo, Kenya’s Head of State stated that the country will follow the same development path as Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, which were once considered third-world states.
“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.
Tunasukuma Kenya iende First World – President Ruto. pic.twitter.com/DHlFHB3CtH
— NairobiLeo.co.ke (@Nairobi_Leo) December 22, 2025
President Ruto insisted that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda was never a campaign slogan, but rather a detailed plan to transition the country from a third- 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 emphasized advances in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, stating that continuous reforms are already altering the country.
He stated that millions of Kenyans had received treatment through the Social Health Authority (SHA), indicating a departure from the old healthcare system.
He also mentioned food security benefits, pointing out that more than 12 million bags of subsidised fertiliser have been distributed, and procurement for the next planting season has already been finished.
In education, Ruto stated that reforms have facilitated the transfer to the Competency-Based Education system, as well as the creation of new classrooms and enhanced learning facilities.
The Head of State also stated that Baringo County’s road budget has been boosted to Ksh.3.4 billion, with construction scheduled 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 Ksh1.5 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.
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An additional Ksh1.3 billion electricity connectivity program is underway, with Ksh530 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.
"Kenya kuwa kama Singapore, hio haiwezi juu the last three years hakuna kitu imefanywa." Kenyans express mixed reactions to President Ruto's journey to take Kenya to a first-world country. pic.twitter.com/7hBJiByuqG
— K24TV (@K24Tv) December 22, 2025
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.”
“Kenya Will Be A First-World Country At Any Cost!” – Ruto Declares
