VIHIGA, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced an ambitious Sh4 trillion development plan that he says will transform Kenya from a third-world to a first-world nation within the next three decades.
Speaking during a church service at the African Divine Church in Gamalenga, Vihiga County, on Sunday, Ruto said the proposal — which will soon be tabled in Parliament — prioritizes massive investments in infrastructure, energy and agriculture.
“This country is going to move from a third-world country to a first-world country because we have the vision for it,” the President said. “We will be presenting proposals to Parliament in the next few weeks on how to move Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country.”
According to Ruto, the blueprint requires about Sh1.5 trillion for transport infrastructure, including roads, railways and airports; Sh1.5 trillion for energy expansion; and another Sh1.5 trillion for agriculture and irrigation, targeting two million acres of farmland for cultivation.
“Sh4 trillion is possibly the money we need to move our nation from importing food to exporting products,” he said.
The President dismissed suggestions that additional taxes would be needed to finance the plan, insisting it could be achieved through innovation, prudent planning and partnerships.
“To raise that money, we do not have to increase taxes. Ni akili inahitajika,” he said, drawing applause from the congregation.
Ruto cited the rapid industrialization of Singapore, South Korea, China, Malaysia and India as examples Kenya could emulate, arguing that Kenya’s human capital and natural resources make similar progress possible.
“Our being a third-world country is a mistake,” he added. “We have the men and women, the plans, and the vision to move Kenya forward.”
The Head of State urged Members of Parliament and other leaders to support the proposals once tabled, stressing that unity is key to national transformation.
“I am asking MPs and all leaders to support this plan. In our lifetime, Kenya will move from a third-world to a first-world country. Unity is strength — when we work together, God commands blessings,” he said.
Ruto also rejected claims that Kenya is a failed state, calling such statements “shameful and baseless.”
“Kenya is a blessed nation, a great nation, and we are moving forward because we believe in ourselves, we believe in God, and we believe in our country,” he said.
Vihiga Projects Announced
During the visit, Ruto unveiled a series of local development projects, including the construction of 3,000 affordable housing units across Vihiga County — 1,000 each in Luanda, Mbale and Chavakali — to create jobs and reduce pressure on agricultural land.
He also announced a Sh300 million investment in market infrastructure, including a Sh70 million market in Luanda and another in Banja, both equipped with storage units, cold rooms and business stalls to support farmers and traders.
Ruto further encouraged residents to enroll in the Social Health Authority (SHA), the government’s universal healthcare scheme, revealing that 266,000 Vihiga residents — about 40 per cent of the population — have already registered.
“Health is a right for every Kenyan, not just the rich or those with jobs,” he said. “Every citizen should go to the hospital, get treated, and return home without paying anyone.”
The President added that the national government will supply hospitals and dispensaries with medical equipment directly, reducing costs for counties.
“Whether you like it or not, Vihiga must rise. We must lift it higher,” he said.
Ruto concluded by reiterating that with focus and unity, Kenya could achieve first-world status within 20 to 30 years.
“We should not allow those who talk ill of our nation to drag us back. Kenya has the greatest potential — and this is the moment for us to rise,” he said.
