By Doris Moraa | July 24, 2026
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Kenya into a first-world economy, saying the country is making steady progress through economic reforms, strategic investments and policies aimed at fostering national unity.
Speaking during a public engagement, the President said Kenya’s future lies in abandoning divisive politics and embracing a shared national vision centered on economic growth, job creation and improved living standards for all citizens.
Ruto emphasized that his administration is determined to end politics based on tribalism and ethnic divisions, arguing that such practices have for decades undermined national cohesion and slowed the country’s development.
“The future of Kenya is not in tribal politics but in building one united nation where every citizen has an equal opportunity to succeed,” the President said.
He noted that the country must move beyond political competition driven by ethnicity and instead focus on policies that promote inclusive growth, innovation and sustainable development.
The Head of State reiterated that his government remains committed to implementing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), describing it as the cornerstone of efforts to uplift millions of Kenyans from poverty and create a stronger middle class.
According to the President, the economic blueprint is designed to empower ordinary citizens by supporting agriculture, expanding access to affordable credit for small businesses, strengthening manufacturing, investing in affordable housing and creating employment opportunities for young people.
Ruto said these interventions are expected to accelerate economic growth while ensuring that the benefits of development are felt across all regions of the country.
The President also highlighted investments in technology and innovation, saying Kenya is positioning itself as a regional leader in the digital economy through expanded internet connectivity, digital government services and support for the country’s growing technology sector.
He added that investments in manufacturing are intended to reduce reliance on imports, increase local production and create thousands of jobs for Kenyan youth.
On food security, Ruto said the government is implementing programmes aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through irrigation projects, improved access to quality farm inputs, mechanization and support for value addition in key agricultural sectors.
He maintained that achieving food security remains one of the administration’s top priorities as it seeks to strengthen the economy and reduce the cost of living.
The President further expressed confidence that Kenya has the potential to join the ranks of developed nations if the country remains focused on long-term planning, fiscal discipline and strategic investments in critical sectors.
He said the government’s vision extends beyond the objectives of Vision 2030 and seeks to lay the foundation for a high-income economy capable of competing globally.
Ruto called on leaders from across the political divide to work together in advancing national development instead of engaging in divisive politics that undermine unity and progress.
He urged elected leaders to prioritize service delivery, constructive dialogue and policies that improve the welfare of wananchi, saying political differences should not stand in the way of the country’s development agenda.
The President also encouraged Kenyans to embrace unity and patriotism, stressing that lasting economic transformation can only be achieved when citizens work together regardless of their ethnic, regional or political backgrounds.
His remarks come as the government continues to roll out flagship projects under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, including investments in infrastructure, affordable housing, manufacturing, agriculture, digital technology and social protection programmes.
The President maintained that these initiatives are laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous and globally competitive Kenya, expressing confidence that the country’s long-term vision of attaining first-world status remains achievable through sustained economic reforms and national unity.
