In a major policy address during a hosting of over 5,000 Friends Church (Quakers) faithful at State House, Nairobi on Monday, President William Ruto outlined a bold trajectory to transform Kenya from a lower-middle-income nation into an upper-middle-income economy, urging the country to unite behind a long-term, constitutionally anchored development roadmap.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working alongside faith-based organizations to drive social and economic progress across the nation, stating, “We continue to enhance our partnership with religious institutions in the delivery of quality healthcare, education, and community support.”
Recognizing the vital role faith organizations play in community development and essential service delivery, the administration seeks to deepen these alliances to reach vulnerable populations across all counties.
Reflecting on global economic shifts over the past six decades, the President highlighted that Kenya possesses all the necessary fundamentals to achieve high-income status.
In the early 1960s, Kenya was economically comparable to nations like South Korea and ahead of China. Today, both countries stand as global economic powerhouses. The President emphasized that Kenya can replicate this success by fostering national confidence in local potential and maintaining long-term economic discipline.
To safeguard long-term economic growth from political volatility, the President reiterated the importance of the newly proposed National Development Charter. The charter is envisioned to be anchored directly into the Constitution of Kenya, ensuring that national development priorities remain consistent regardless of changes in administration or political transitions.
This constitutional protection aims to maintain policy continuity, boost investor confidence, and establish a binding commitment to development across successive governments.
Concluding with a strong appeal for national unity, the President invited all stakeholders, civil society, and citizens to participate in shaping the country’s collective future: “We must therefore now come together, discuss, agree, and plan for our country’s destiny. This is an all-inclusive plan that will sustainably drive Kenya towards a first-world economy.”
