President William Ruto is scheduled to deliver a Special National Address at 7pm today, where he is expected to present a comprehensive roadmap aimed at steering Kenya towards becoming a first-world economy.

The address follows a late-night meeting between President Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at State House, Nairobi, signaling preparations for a bold economic reform agenda.

Focus on Economic Transformation

Ruto’s speech is anticipated to highlight Kenya’s potential by referencing the rapid economic advancements achieved by countries such as Azerbaijan, Singapore, and China. These nations transitioned from poverty to global economic prominence through strategic reforms, infrastructure development, industrialisation, and investment in human capital.

The President is expected to emphasize that Kenya can follow a similar trajectory by implementing sustained reforms, maintaining prudent economic management, and fostering national unity.

Building on Previous Commitments

This address will likely expand on the commitments made during Ruto’s November 2025 State of the Nation Address, where he projected Kenya’s economic growth between 5% and 5.8% for 2026. Key priorities outlined then included:

  • Declining inflation and stronger export performance
  • Improved fiscal discipline
  • Expansion of universal health coverage through the Social Health Authority reforms and improvements at Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA)
  • Ambitious infrastructure projects, including a Sh5 trillion dual carriageway programme
  • Continued investment in affordable housing, energy, and transport networks
  • Agricultural reforms aimed at boosting production and farmers’ incomes via subsidized fertiliser and irrigation expansion
  • Enhancement of education and technical training, especially through TVET institutions
  • Promotion of digital innovation, manufacturing, and youth employment

President Ruto is expected to reinforce the role of these initiatives as critical drivers for economic growth and social development.

The address comes at a pivotal moment as Kenya aims to accelerate its economic progress amid global challenges, with the government keen on delivering transformative reforms that can elevate the country’s status on the world stage.