BARINGO, Kenya – President William Ruto has declared that Kenya’s transformation into a first-world country is no longer optional, insisting that his administration will pursue the goal “at any cost” and without reversing course.
Speaking on Monday at the Kimalel goat auction in Baringo County, the Head of State said Kenya is following the same development trajectory taken by Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong—countries that rose from third-world status to advanced economies within a generation.
“This country, Kenya, we are going to do what other countries did to become first world. We will make Kenya a first-world country, at any cost,” Ruto said.
The president defended his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, saying it was never a campaign slogan but a structured plan now being implemented across key sectors of the economy.
“Bottom-Up was not and is not a slogan. It was a plan to uplift Kenya. We have not changed the plan; we are simply implementing it,” he said.
Ruto pointed to ongoing reforms in healthcare, agriculture, education and infrastructure, arguing that early results are already reshaping the country.
He said millions of Kenyans have accessed treatment under the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a shift from the previous health financing system.
On food security, the president said the government has distributed more than 12 million bags of subsidised fertiliser and completed procurement for the next planting season, a move he said is stabilising agricultural production.
In education, Ruto said reforms are easing the transition to the Competency-Based Education system, alongside the construction of new classrooms and improved learning infrastructure.
The president also announced a major boost to road funding in Baringo County, saying the allocation has been increased to Sh3.4 billion, with construction expected to begin in February. Nationally, he said 178 roads will be built next year.
Referring to traffic congestion along the Rironi–Naivasha corridor, Ruto promised long-term relief through expansion works.
“Take photos of that congestion because it will be the last time you see it. The Rironi–Naivasha road will be expanded to eight lanes,” he said.
Earlier in the day, while commissioning the 132kV Lessos–Kabarnet transmission line, the president said the Sh1.5 billion project will provide stable and affordable electricity to Baringo and parts of Elgeyo-Marakwet counties.
He added that an additional Sh1.3 billion electricity connectivity programme is underway, with Sh530 million already committed.
“It will deliver critical services, accelerate employment for our youth, and power our economic growth,” Ruto said.
Later, during the Tobong’u Lore celebrations in Turkana County, the president said Kenya will be halfway through its Sh5 trillion development plan by next year.
He said the large-scale projects will be financed without raising taxes or relying on conventional borrowing.
Instead, he said funding will come through a National Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund, which he described as long-term tools for economic stability.
“The National Infrastructure Fund is a generational strategy to preserve value, mobilise capital, accelerate delivery and ensure Kenya becomes stronger, wealthier and more competitive,” Ruto said.
