President William Ruto has renewed his pledge to transform Kenya into a first-world country, saying his administration is prepared to pursue the goal decisively as wide-ranging reforms and infrastructure investments take shape.
The head of state said Kenya would follow the path taken by other developed nations to achieve economic transformation.
“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,” Ruto said.
He maintained that his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda remains firmly on course, insisting it was never intended as a political slogan.
“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 said tangible progress is already being recorded across key sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure, as reforms begin to reshape service delivery and economic outcomes. In the health sector, Ruto said millions of Kenyans have already accessed treatment under the Social Health Authority, marking a major shift from the previous healthcare framework and expanding access to medical services.
On food security, the president pointed to increased government support for farmers, noting that more than 12 million bags of subsidised fertiliser have been distributed nationwide. He added that procurement for the next planting season has already been finalised, a move he said will ensure timely access to inputs and sustain agricultural productivity.
In education, Ruto said ongoing reforms have helped stabilise the transition to the Competency-Based Education system, alongside the construction of new classrooms and upgrades to learning infrastructure aimed at improving the learning environment for students across the country.
Infrastructure development remains a central pillar of the administration’s agenda, with the President announcing that 178 roads will be constructed across the country next year to improve connectivity and unlock economic activity. He also addressed persistent traffic congestion along the Nairobi–Nakuru corridor, particularly affecting travellers from Western Kenya.
“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,” he said, revealing plans to expand the Rironi–Naivasha road to eight lanes.
Ruto also announced increased funding for road construction in Baringo County, saying the county’s road budget has been raised to KSh3.4 billion, with works expected to begin in February.
The president said the scale and pace of the reforms reflect his administration’s determination to deliver inclusive development and improve the quality of life for all Kenyans, as he reiterated his commitment to making Kenya a modern, prosperous nation.
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