Ruto announces plan to propel Kenya, Africa to 'first-world' status

Speaking at the LUISS School of Government in Rome on April 21, 2026, the President outlined a development agenda anchored on infrastructure expansion, agricultural transformation, and increased energy capacity, pillars he said will redefine Kenya’s economic trajectory.

Ruto highlighted Kenya’s status as a technological leader, citing innovations such as M-Pesa and the “Silicon Savannah” as proof of the country’s potential.

However, he stressed that these milestones are only a stepping stone toward a bigger goal of achieving first-world status within a generation.

At the core of his plan is an aggressive infrastructure drive, including doubling the paved road network and upgrading airports and seaports to enhance trade, mobility, and job creation.

On agriculture, the President announced plans to construct at least 50 mega dams to irrigate over 2.5 million acres of land, a move expected to boost food security and increase farmers’ incomes.

In the energy sector, Kenya is set to more than triple its electricity capacity within seven years, ensuring reliable and affordable power to support industrial growth and improve livelihoods.

Ruto also pointed to gains in healthcare, noting that the number of Kenyans covered by public health insurance has risen from fewer than eight million in 2023 to over 30 million, expanding access to essential medical services.

On housing, he said the government is rolling out a programme to deliver more than 240,000 affordable homes, aimed at improving living standards while stimulating economic activity.

In a rare moment of candour, the President acknowledged past leadership failures, saying mediocrity and low ambition had slowed progress. He called for a renewed national focus driven by accountability and high standards.

The president linking Kenya’s future to that of the African continent, warning that national progress cannot be achieved in isolation. “For Kenya to move forward, Africa must advance. For Kenya to realise its full potential, Africa must not remain at the margins of the global order, it must stand at its forefront,” he said.