BARINGO, Kenya-Dec 22, 2025-President William Ruto on Monday reiterated that his administration is determined to transform Kenya into a first-world country, insisting the journey is irreversible and will be achieved “at any cost.”
Speaking at the Kimalel goat auction in Baringo, the Head of State said Kenya will follow the development paths of countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, which were once classified as third-world nations.
“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 emphasized that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is not a campaign slogan but a structured plan to elevate Kenya’s 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.
Ruto highlighted progress in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, saying ongoing reforms are already reshaping the nation.
Millions of Kenyans have accessed treatment under the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a shift from the previous healthcare system. In agriculture, over 12 million bags of subsidized fertilizer have been distributed ahead of the next planting season.
On education, the President cited Competency-Based Education reforms, alongside the construction of new classrooms and improved learning infrastructure. He also pointed to infrastructure projects, noting:
“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.”
During the Tobong’u Lore celebrations in Turkana County, Ruto said the country will be halfway through the Ksh. 5 trillion development plan by next year, with funding coming from a National Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund, not through additional taxes or conventional debt.
“The National Infrastructure Fund is a generational strategy to preserve value, mobilize capital, accelerate delivery, and ensure Kenya becomes stronger, wealthier, and more competitive,” he said
