Ruto Tells Off Opposition, Vows to Turn Kenya into a First-World Economy

 

President Ruto addresses a public gathering, reaffirming his commitment to economic transformation and dismissing opposition criticism during his nationwide tour.

President William Ruto has maintained that his administration is firmly focused on transforming Kenya’s economic landscape, dismissing criticism from the opposition that his government is mishandling the economy and increasing the burden on citizens.

Speaking during a public event, the Head of State said the reforms his government is implementing are deliberate, long-term strategies aimed at shifting Kenya from a developing country into a modern, industrialized and globally competitive nation. He emphasized that such transformation requires patience, discipline, and bold policy decisions.

“We are working to move Kenya from third-world to first-world. It is not an easy journey. It requires hard work, sound planning and consistent policy execution,” President Ruto said.

The President accused opposition leaders of promoting what he termed populist narratives meant to derail progress and gain political mileage, rather than supporting sustainable national development.

“They want us to take shortcuts and pursue popularity instead of progress. Kenya will not develop through shortcuts,” Ruto remarked. “We are here to build the foundation for a future that is stable and prosperous.”

Ruto highlighted several key sectors where reforms are underway, including agriculture, digital infrastructure, tax administration and industrial production. He pointed to the fertilizer subsidy program, digital superhighway initiatives and ongoing housing projects as examples of how the government is working to expand opportunities and stimulate economic growth from the grassroots.

However, his remarks come against a backdrop of public concern over the high cost of living, increased taxation and rising fuel prices. Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the government of ignoring the struggles of ordinary citizens, arguing that the reforms are too harsh and poorly timed.

Ruto defended the tough economic measures, stating that the challenges facing the country are largely inherited and require firm decisions to resolve.

“We will not abandon our plan. We know where we are taking Kenya. Great nations were built through resilience and sacrifice. We will get there,” he said.

His comments are expected to draw more debate as Kenyans continue to question when the impact of the reforms will be felt at household level.

Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: November 11, 2025