President William Ruto has heaped the blame of Kenya’s failure to attain economic transformation on the country’s poor leadersship.

Speaking at Nyang’ori PAG Church Centenary celebrations on Saturday, October 4, 2025, the president decried how Kenya had failed to make economic advancement, a development he stressed needs to change.

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The president catergorically cited a lack of proper action from the country leadership.

Leadership failure

“It is we as leaders who have failed this country. Kenya should not be third world county. We are fairly responsbile for where Kenya is today and we cannot continue that way. We have been talking alot and getting nothing done,” he stated.

The Head of State stated that he will be taking the lead in the vision to transform the country.

“I have committed to changing course. We cannot go on talking with no action and getting nothing done,” he stated.

The head of state cited several initiatives undertaken by the government to kick off the transformation plan.

“In three years, we have transformed agriculture and we are now harvesting more maize. In the education sector, we have made gains as well as in the healthcare sector under SHA, albeit with small challenges,” he added.

Collective effort

Ruto, however,” acknowledged the need for leaders playing their part in realising the economic takeoff. He expressed optimism that with collective effort and discipline, the nation could reverse the challenges

“All the work we have done is the first phase we still have a lot do. I therefore want to ask Kenyans and the politcial class,I have taken time to speak to MPs since we have to change how we drive this country. We need to raise our game and up our standards. Kenya cannot continue to be third-class,” he stated.

Ruto’s sentiment comes days after he spoke on the country’s overreliance on foreign loans.

Speaking on Sunday, August 31, 2015, in Siaya County, he said the country’s resources, if properly managed with courage and focus, can transform Kenya into a first-world nation.

The president challenged leaders across the political divide to join hands in driving reforms that will end the culture of dependency on debt and corruption. According to him, the new trajectory of governance requires boldness, honesty, and accountability in handling public resources.

“I want to ask MCAs, MPs and Governors, let us work together. We will stop borrowing, we will stop being in the third world. We can move this country into the first world. Are you our leaders ready?” Ruto posed.