President William Ruto delivers the State of the Nation address in Parliament on November 20, 2025./PCS
President William Ruto has expressed confidence that Kenya can achieve rapid economic growth by adopting strategies similar to the Asian nations that transformed themselves into global economic powerhouses.
Speaking during a State of the Nation address in Parliament on Thursday, November 20, the President referenced countries often described as the “Asian Tigers,” praising their ability to rise from poverty to prosperity through discipline, investment, and long-term planning.
“I have often spoken of the Asian tigers: South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. And by the way, the Prime Minister of Malaysia will be here this weekend,” Ruto said.
He noted that the success of these economies did not happen by chance, but through deliberate choices and determination to overcome the limitations they faced after independence.
“They invested in their people and refused to be trapped in the limitations of their circumstances. Today, they stand as first-world economies,” he said.
Ruto argued that Kenya possesses the potential to replicate this trajectory if it prioritises human capital development, industrial growth and modern infrastructure. He said the government is pushing reforms that will build a competitive economy anchored on innovation, skills development and productivity.
“If they could rise, so can Kenya. It can be done!” he declared, receiving applause from the audience.
The President has consistently framed Kenya’s economic strategy around lessons drawn from fast-growing Asian economies, particularly their focus on manufacturing, export-driven industries, and strong public institutions.
His administration has also emphasised digital innovation, agricultural mechanisation and technical skills training as part of a long-term economic transformation agenda.
Ruto’s remarks come ahead of the visit by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, a trip expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Kenya is seeking partnerships in technology, education, investment, and trade—areas where Malaysia has recorded significant progress over the past four decades.
