President William Ruto has criticized leaders he says are spreading resentment and pessimism about Kenya’s progress, warning that such attitudes undermine the country’s development agenda.
Speaking during a church service in Samburu County on Sunday, the president urged both political leaders and citizens to unite behind a shared national vision, saying skepticism and constant criticism stall growth and weaken public morale.
“I see many people who speak negatively about our country,” he said. “We have a country like no other. We have a blessed nation and we must work for it and believe in it. If you are a leader and you do not believe in Kenya, you lack valuable opinions and a plan to transform the nation.”
The president said Kenya has made substantial progress toward transforming its economy and improving livelihoods. He reiterated his long-term plan to elevate Kenya from its current developing status into a first-world nation within the next three decades.
“We have been a third world for far too long,” he said. “By the effort of our hands and the unity of our people, we want to move this nation to a first-world country by 2055.”
Ruto first announced the 2055 development vision in October, positioning it as an extension of ongoing reforms aimed at industrialisation, technology growth, and agricultural productivity.
However, the proposal has sparked debate among opposition figures, who have questioned the fate of the earlier Vision 2030 blueprint initiated under former President Mwai Kibaki. Critics say the government should focus on completing existing projects instead of rebranding long-term development goals.
Despite the criticism, Ruto insisted that his administration remains committed to economic transformation, calling unity and optimism essential to achieving the nation’s aspirations.
