President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to transform Kenya into a first-world country, saying the journey has already begun and will be achieved “at any cost.”
Speaking on Monday at the Kimalel goat auction in Baringo County, President Ruto said Kenya will follow the development path taken by countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, which rose from developing nations to global economic leaders.
“This country, Kenya, will do what others did to become first world. We will make Kenya a first-world country, at any cost,” the President said.
He explained that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is not a campaign slogan but a clear plan designed to uplift ordinary Kenyans and grow the economy from the grassroots. According to him, the government is already implementing this plan and has no intention of changing direction.
President Ruto highlighted progress made in key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, energy, and infrastructure. He noted that millions of Kenyans are now accessing medical services through the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a major reform in the health sector.
In agriculture, he said food security has improved after the government distributed more than 12 million bags of subsidised fertiliser, with preparations for the next planting season already completed.
On education, the President said the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has been strengthened through the construction of new classrooms and better learning facilities across the country.
He also announced major infrastructure investments, including an increase in Baringo County’s road budget to Ksh.3.4 billion, with construction expected to begin in February. Nationally, he said 178 roads will be built next year, while the Rironi–Naivasha highway will be expanded to eight lanes to ease traffic congestion.
Earlier in the day, President Ruto commissioned the Ksh.1.5 billion Lessos–Kabarnet power transmission line, which will provide reliable electricity to Baringo and parts of Elgeyo-Marakwet. An additional Ksh.1.3 billion electricity connectivity programme is also underway.
During the Tobong’u Lore cultural celebrations in Turkana County, the President revealed that Kenya will be halfway through its Ksh.5 trillion national development plan by next year. He said the projects will be funded through a National Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund, rather than higher taxes or excessive borrowing.
“These funds are a long-term strategy to protect value, attract investment, create jobs, and make Kenya stronger and more competitive,” he said.
President Ruto maintained that despite challenges, his administration remains focused on delivering lasting development and improving the lives of all Kenyans.
