President William Ruto has said taking a nation to a first-world country is not a walk in the park.

Speaking during a church service on Sunday, November 9, 2025, the Head of State said positivity towards the government of the day is key for national progress.

Ruto’s clarion call to Kenyans

“I see many people who speak negatively about our country, I see many people who confess many negative things about our country,” Ruto said.

He urged Kenyans to focus on the nation’s strengths and work together to achieve development.

“We have a country like no other. We have a blessed nation, and we must work for it and believe in it.

“If you’re a leader and you don’t believe in Kenya, you lack valuable opinions and a plan to transform the nation, and everything is negative, you are dragging us behind,” Ruto said.

The President also highlighted Kenya’s long journey as a third-world country and the need for collective effort to change its trajectory.

“We have been a third world for far too long, and it is now time. By the effort of our hands and the unity of the people of Kenya, we want to move this nation to a first-world country by 2055,” Ruto added.

Gachagua reacts to Ruto’s first-world vision

Gachagua, the leader of the Democracy for Citizens’ Party, also spoke during a church service in Kayole, Nairobi. He expressed doubt over the feasibility of Ruto’s promise.

“Nchi yetu haitembei vizuri, minister wa Treasury ametangaza kuanzia January ile masomo tuliachiwa bure na Mwai Kibaki haitakuwa tena, mambo ya SHA haifanyi kazi, biashara zimesimama.

“Na mimi nasikia Ruto akisema ati ako na mpango wa kufanya Kenya to be a first world country,” Gachagua said.

He questioned the sustainability of Ruto’s plan given what he called mismanagement in recent years.

“If within three years kazi yote Kibaki alifanya ya Masomo umeharibu, Kazi ya matibabu Uhuru Kenyatta amefanya umeharibu, biashara umeharibu, Watoto umesema wapigwe risasi kwa mguu, wewe unaambia Wakenya wakupe nafasi ati you can make Kenya a first world country, how? Within three years, you have destroyed a great country?” Gachagua added.

Ruto insisted that a united and optimistic population is crucial for the country to achieve long-term economic and social goals.

He said that abandoning cynicism and negativity will allow Kenyans to focus on building strong institutions, creating jobs, improving education, and enhancing healthcare.

The Head of State emphasised that leadership, coupled with citizen participation and belief in the nation, will determine whether Kenya can achieve its vision of a first-world country by 2055.

By focusing on collective effort, Ruto said, Kenya can overcome past setbacks and set a foundation for sustainable growth and development.