Speaking during a church service on Sunday, November 9, 2025, the President said that transforming a developing nation into a first-world country is not an easy task and requires citizens who believe in the journey.
“I see many people who speak negatively about our country,” Ruto said. “We have a blessed nation. If you are a leader and you don’t believe in Kenya, you lack valuable opinions and a plan to transform the nation.”
The President emphasised that Kenya’s transformation will depend on unity and a shared sense of purpose.
He argued that constant criticism and pessimism distract the country from its main goals of development and stability.
“We have been a third-world country for far too long,” he said.
“We have been a third-world country for far too long,” he said.
“But through our unity, hard work, and belief in ourselves, we can move Kenya to a first-world country by 2055.”
Vision for a First-World Kenya
President Ruto’s remarks come at a time when Kenyans are facing high living costs, unemployment, and growing frustration over government performance.
Vision for a First-World Kenya
President Ruto’s remarks come at a time when Kenyans are facing high living costs, unemployment, and growing frustration over government performance.
Despite these challenges, he maintained that the path to prosperity requires long-term thinking and persistence.
Ruto said his administration is focused on strengthening key sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing while investing in job creation and innovation. He urged leaders at all levels to inspire hope instead of spreading cynicism.
“Negativity doesn’t build a nation,” he said. “It destroys confidence and unity. Let us believe that Kenya can rise — because it will.”
However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), expressed strong doubts about Ruto’s first-world ambition.
Ruto said his administration is focused on strengthening key sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing while investing in job creation and innovation. He urged leaders at all levels to inspire hope instead of spreading cynicism.
“Negativity doesn’t build a nation,” he said. “It destroys confidence and unity. Let us believe that Kenya can rise — because it will.”
However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), expressed strong doubts about Ruto’s first-world ambition.
Speaking in Kayole, Nairobi, during a separate church service, Gachagua said the government has failed to manage key sectors of the economy.
“Our country is not walking in the right direction,” Gachagua said.
“Our country is not walking in the right direction,” Gachagua said.
“The Treasury has announced that free education, which was started by Mwai Kibaki, will end in January. The Social Health Authority is failing, and businesses are struggling.”
He accused the Ruto administration of reversing the progress made under former presidents Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, claiming that mismanagement and harsh economic policies have made life difficult for ordinary Kenyans.
“If in three years you have destroyed education reforms, healthcare, and business growth — how do you promise to make Kenya a first-world country?” he asked.
He accused the Ruto administration of reversing the progress made under former presidents Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, claiming that mismanagement and harsh economic policies have made life difficult for ordinary Kenyans.
“If in three years you have destroyed education reforms, healthcare, and business growth — how do you promise to make Kenya a first-world country?” he asked.
“You can’t build a global nation on broken foundations.”
Gachagua also criticized the government’s handling of youth affairs and the economy, saying unemployment and insecurity continue to rise despite the President’s promises of economic transformation.
The contrasting views between Ruto and Gachagua reflect the deepening political debate about Kenya’s direction under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua also criticized the government’s handling of youth affairs and the economy, saying unemployment and insecurity continue to rise despite the President’s promises of economic transformation.
The contrasting views between Ruto and Gachagua reflect the deepening political debate about Kenya’s direction under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Supporters of the President argue that his long-term development plan, which focuses on agriculture, digital innovation, and housing, will eventually yield results.
Critics, however, say his economic policies have widened inequality and eroded public trust.
Political analysts believe Ruto’s call for positivity is part of a broader effort to reshape the national mood and restore confidence in his leadership after months of protests and discontent.
Dr. Catherine Achieng, a governance expert based in Nairobi, said the President’s remarks highlight a leadership dilemma.
“Ruto is right to call for hope and unity,” she said. “But optimism must be matched with policies that ease the burden on citizens. People can’t be positive when they’re struggling to afford school fees or food.”
Despite criticism, President Ruto remains firm on his target of making Kenya a first-world nation by 2055. He says the dream is achievable through accountability, hard work, and shared national pride.
“The journey is long, but it’s possible,” he said.
Critics, however, say his economic policies have widened inequality and eroded public trust.
Political analysts believe Ruto’s call for positivity is part of a broader effort to reshape the national mood and restore confidence in his leadership after months of protests and discontent.
Dr. Catherine Achieng, a governance expert based in Nairobi, said the President’s remarks highlight a leadership dilemma.
“Ruto is right to call for hope and unity,” she said. “But optimism must be matched with policies that ease the burden on citizens. People can’t be positive when they’re struggling to afford school fees or food.”
Despite criticism, President Ruto remains firm on his target of making Kenya a first-world nation by 2055. He says the dream is achievable through accountability, hard work, and shared national pride.
“The journey is long, but it’s possible,” he said.
“If we stay united and focus on our strengths, Kenya can achieve greatness.”
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