President William Ruto won’t relent in his transformation agenda to move Kenya from the third world to a first-world economy despite opposition from critics.
The President said the country’s transformation agenda has been delayed because of poor leadership.
“We are going to do in Kenya the things that Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea, which were in the third world in the 1960s, did to become the first world economies,” he said.
Speaking during this year’s Baringo Cultural Festival and Kimalel Goat Auction at Kimale grounds on Monday, President Ruto said Kenya is on an unstoppable journey of socio-economic transformation.
“We are firmly taking charge of our destiny – rebuilding our economy from the bottom up, empowering our people, and ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind,” he said.
He pointed out that the government has reformed agriculture, securing Kenya’s place as a food-sufficient nation.
“Our healthcare system has been revamped to be more inclusive, more affordable, and accessible to every citizen,” the President said.
Additionally, he pointed out that the Affordable Housing Programme is reshaping the country’s skyline and future, creating close to 500,000 jobs for our youth, restoring dignity to families, and renewing hope in communities across Kenya.
“Rising alongside this ambition is the world-class 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City Stadium nearing completion, boldly reaffirming Kenya’s status as a global sporting powerhouse,” he said.
Furthermore, the President noted that the government is also building the Bomas International Convention Complex, the largest of its kind in East and Central Africa, which is set for completion in April 2026.
He explained that it is designed to meet the evolving demands of modern international conferences.
“We are delivering on our promises. We are moving Kenya decisively toward first-world status. This vision will be realised in our lifetime. It is inevitable. It is irreversible. It is unstoppable,” he said.
He told his critics to be ready to explain to Kenyans their development track record and plans they have for the country.
“Kenyans have no time to waste on leaders who have no track record. Some leaders have been in leadership for a long time, but they have nothing to show in development,” the President said.
At the same time, President Ruto warned that the government would not relent in the fight against banditry and cattle rustling in the Kerio Valley.
“When I took over the leadership of this country, I promised you that I would wipe out this menace. This is what I am doing, ” he said.
He put the few remaining criminals on notice, saying their days are numbered.
“We must stop those who are infringing on the lives of the citizens. Those who are still in possession of illegal firearms should surrender them before we go for them,” he said.
Earlier, President Ruto commissioned the 132kV Lessos-Kabarnet Transmission Line Project in Baringo County.
This transformative investment in Kabarnet will be integrated into the national grid, supplying reliable, affordable and stable electricity to thousands of households and businesses in Baringo and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties.
The President noted that the project will deliver critical services and accelerate employment for the youth.
“It will also power economic growth and transform lives,” he explained.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot commended President Ruto’s transformation agenda to move Kenya from the third world to first-world economic status.
They dismissed critics of transformation, saying they offer no alternative ideas on how to attain the country’s prosperity.
“We ask the President to stay the course as he takes the country to the next level of development,” Mr Cheruiyot said.
Mr Ichung’wa noted that the President means well for the country, saying the critics have nothing new to offer Kenyans.
“The Singapore exam is figurative language of a dream and aspiration to move this country from the third world and make Kenya a first world economy,” he explained.
Present at the annual goat auction and cultural event were Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hanna Cheptumo (Gender), and Geoffrey Ruku ( Public Service).
Others were Senators Kiprono Chemitei (Baringo) and Jackson (Uasin Gishu), and MPs Charles Kamuren (Baringo South), William Kamket (Tiaty), Joshua Kandie (Baringo Central), Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Florence Jematia (Baringo Women Rep), and Oscar Sudi (Kapsaret).
Also attending the function were MPs Bishop Jackson Kosgei (Nominated), Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), and Harold Kipchumba (Nominated).
The MPs praised the ongoing security efforts in the Kerio Valley, saying residents are now enjoying peace.
“For the first time since independence, residents are enjoying peace. We appreciate the work that is being done to end the problem of insecurity,” Mr Sudi pointed out.
