President William Ruto has declared that Kenya should not be classified among Third World or developing nations, citing athletic dominance as a reflection of the country’s potential for excellence.
Speaking on Thursday morning at State House, Nairobi, during a celebratory breakfast with Kenya’s athletics team from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Ruto said it was time to shift how the world — and Kenyans themselves — perceive the country’s place on the global stage.
“We are not meant for the Third World. Kenya’s DNA is not for the Third World. We are in the Third World by mistake and default, and we must correct it,” the President said.
Ruto used Kenya’s sterling performance in Tokyo to make his case.
Kenya finished second overall out of 198 countries, behind only the United States, bagging 11 medals, seven gold, two silver, and two bronze.
“Out of 198 nations of the world, we were the second-best after the United States. That tells you the league we play in, the league of champions. That is where Kenya belongs,” he said.
During the event, Ruto announced a generous reward package for the medalists in recognition of their exceptional performance. Gold medal winners will each receive Sh3 million, silver medalists Sh2 million, and bronze medalists Sh1 million.
The government will also offer each gold medalist an affordable housing unit, with the state covering 50 per cent of the cost and the athlete paying the rest under the government's Affordable Housing Programme.
Among the gold medal winners, six were women, highlighting the growing dominance of Kenyan women in global athletics.
The gold medalists include Beatrice Chebet (5,000m and 10,000m), Faith Kipyegon (1,500m), Peres Jepchirchir (women’s marathon), Lillian Odira (800m), Faith Cherotich (3,000m steeplechase), and Emmanuel Wanyonyi (800m).
Silver medalists included Faith Kipyegon and Dorcas Ewoi (1,500m), while Reynold Cheruiyot (1,500m) and Edmund Serem (men’s 3,000m steeplechase) claimed bronze.
Ruto emphasised that Kenya’s sporting excellence should inspire a national shift in mindset.
“It is clear that Kenya is not made for the average. We are not fashioned that way. Our DNA as a nation is for excellence,” he said.
The President's remarks come as Kenya seeks to position itself as a regional and global leader, not only in sports but also in areas like digital innovation, clean energy, and economic transformation.
While acknowledging the country's ongoing development challenges, Ruto insisted that Kenya's talent and potential reflect a nation capable of much more.
“To those who still doubt that Kenya can stand among the most advanced countries, just look at our athletes. They have already shown the world who we are,” he added.
