President William Ruto has expressed confidence that Kenya will transform from a third-world to a first-world nation within the next 30 years.
Speaking during the 70th anniversary of the African Inland Church Ziwani held at Starehe Boys in Nairobi County on Sunday, the President said the country has remained in the developing category for too long.
He, however, said the government is determined to change that through hard work, unity, and divine guidance.
“By God’s grace, we have been in the third world for far too long. We have had our fair share, and it is now time, by God’s grace, the efforts of our hands, the blessings of our plans, and the energy and unity of the people of Kenya, to move this country from a third world to a first world country in the next 30 years,” Ruto said.
The Head of State dismissed critics who doubted his administration’s development agenda, saying several government initiatives that were once deemed impossible have already been implemented.
“When we say things in this country, we have many doubting Thomases and false prophets. When we said we would build houses, they said it was impossible. When we talked about universal health coverage, employment of teachers, and food production, they said it was impossible,” he added.
President Ruto maintained that Kenya has the potential to achieve rapid development and join the ranks of developed nations through strategic planning and national unity.
“We have what it takes, the ideas, the plan, the people, and the resources, to take this country to a first world by 2055,” he stated.
Ruto said he was fully convinced that the country’s transformation is achievable, emphasizing that progress will come from consistent implementation of long-term policies and collective effort by all Kenyans.
“I am persuaded beyond any reasonable doubt that we are going to move this country to a first world by 2055,” he said.
The President’s remarks come as his administration continues to push key programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focusing on affordable housing, universal healthcare, agricultural productivity, and job creation.
He called on Kenyans to remain optimistic and united, saying faith and resilience will drive the nation’s journey to prosperity.
Ruto said he is engaging all leaders from all walks of life on how the country can be transformed for the better.