Kigame sounds alarm over increasing poverty levels, rubbishes Ruto’s address
By Kiprono Keileb, November 25, 2025Gospel singer and former presidential candidate Reuben Kigame has raised alarm over what he describes as a worsening economic situation in Kenya, arguing that the lived experiences of ordinary citizens paint a completely different picture from the rosy outlook presented by the government.
Kigame expressed concern that many Kenyans are sinking deeper into poverty despite reports suggesting that the economy is improving.
Speaking through an X post posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Kigame said Kenya’s poverty levels had sharply increased in recent years, challenging the government’s narrative of progress.
“Between 2022 and 2025, Kenya’s poverty index moved up from 38% to 49%,” he wrote.
He argued that the President’s recent State of the Nation address failed to reflect the real struggles facing millions of Kenyans. Kigame noted that “The State of the Nation address by the president last Thursday painted a false picture of economic growth,” he stated, insisting that the speech overlooked the daily hardships many citizens face.
Kigame, who has long been vocal about economic justice and governance reforms, urged Kenyans to shift their focus away from official indicators that often portray a brighter image than the reality on the ground.
He emphasised that the true measure of economic progress lies in the lived experiences of ordinary people, not in technical reports.
“As I have said regularly, if you want to know a country has grown economically, don’t look at GDP and IMF reports. Look at the payslips, pockets, faces and stomachs of citizens,” he wrote.
Kigame concluded his statement with a call for renewed national reflection, urging Kenyans to re-examine the country’s economic path and push for policies that center on the well-being of its people.
Word Bank on Kenya’s economic recovery
The World Bank had earlier noted that Kenya’s economy is showing signs of growth and recovery. However, in its latest update, the institution also raised fresh concerns about the country’s rising fiscal pressures. It warned that despite the positive momentum, Kenya’s mounting debt and widening budget deficits could slow, or even stall, the progress being made.
According to the report, Kenya is undoubtedly moving forward, but structural weaknesses continue to weigh heavily on its long-term economic stability. The World Bank cautioned that unless these underlying issues are addressed, the country’s recovery could lose steam in the coming years.