The highlight of President William Ruto’s week was presiding over the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, where he reflected on Kenya’s journey since independence and laid out an ambitious roadmap to transform the country into a first-world economy.
In his address, Ruto noted that while Kenya had made steady progress in improving the lives of its people and building an inclusive society, the country must now accelerate that momentum.
He said the gains achieved since independence were significant but insufficient, stressing that the time had come to move decisively towards full economic independence and shared prosperity.
The President said his administration had committed itself to a bold and ambitious Sh5 trillion development plan designed to lift Kenya to first-world status.
The plan, he explained, is anchored on food security, modern infrastructure, industrialisation and affordable energy, all aimed at unlocking opportunities for every Kenyan.
On food production, Ruto said the government had embarked on scaling up irrigation to cushion the country against climate shocks and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
This includes the construction of 50 mega dams, 200 small dams and 1,000 micro-dams across the country.
He said these investments would support farmers, stabilise food supply and lower the cost of living.
Infrastructure development remains a central pillar of the agenda.
The President said the government has mapped out 2,500 kilometres of highways for dualling and 28,000 kilometres of roads for tarmacking, with the aim of improving connectivity, lowering transport costs and spurring regional trade.
Beyond roads, he noted that Kenya is upgrading and expanding key infrastructure such as airports, railways and the oil pipeline to create new economic corridors linking the country to its neighbours and the wider region.
Energy generation, he said, is critical to powering agro-processing, industrialisation and value addition.
He announced plans to raise national power generation capacity from the current 3,300 megawatts to 10,000 megawatts, positioning Kenya as a competitive destination for manufacturing and investment.
"To finance these priorities, we are establishing a National Infrastructure Fund, which will be considered and approved by the Cabinet next Monday. This will enable us to secure economic freedom without excessive debt or higher taxation," he disclosed.
He said the fund would align financial resources with development goals through innovative mobilisation of domestic resources and strategic monetisation of assets, allowing Kenya to grow without excessive borrowing or higher taxation.
The celebrations were honoured by the presence of Ghana President John Dramani Mahama as chief guest.
Also in attendance were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Burundi Vice-President Prosper Bazombanza and other distinguished regional and international leaders, underscoring Kenya’s strong diplomatic ties.
Later at State House, Nairobi, he presided over the conferment of national honours to Kenyans who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the nation in various capacities.
He said the honours were a reminder that hard work, honesty and selfless service do not go unnoticed, and that doing what is right and putting the country first builds a stronger Kenya for present and future generations.
Among those awarded the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, Second Class, Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) were Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Cabinet Secretaries William Kabogo Gitau (ICT), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade), and Deborah Barasa (Environment).
Others honoured included Kristina Pratt Kenyatta and Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu.
Here's a round up:
December 9, Tuesday
In Ngulia, Taita Taveta County, he launched the Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary, describing it as a powerful role model for conservation in Kenya and beyond.
He said the government would continue deploying more rangers on the ground and wider, longer-range aerial surveillance to protect endangered species.
From humble beginnings 40 years ago on three square kilometres with just three rhinos, the sanctuary has grown into a national and global treasure.
Its expansion to 3,200 square kilometres, the largest rhino sanctuary in the world, now provides a secure habitat for more than 200 rhinos and is expected to attract more tourists.
December 10, Wednesday
At State House, he chaired the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit.
He lauded the partnership between the two levels of government, saying it had strengthened devolution and brought services closer to the people.
The collaboration, he noted, has turned counties into engines of growth and champions of responsive, people-centred service delivery.
He highlighted progress in healthcare under the Social Health Authority reforms, expansion of agricultural value chains, advancement of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, and adoption of digital systems to modernise services.
With partners such as the United States, he said Kenya is reinforcing healthcare systems, a shared responsibility between national and county governments.
For the first time, he noted, the country has completed the full delineation, unbundling and gazettement of devolved functions, ensuring clarity of roles and that resources follow functions.
However, he cautioned that delays in implementing past summit resolutions remain a concern and urged all institutions to act with urgency.
December 11, Thursday
The president began the day by conferring the rank of Senior Counsel on 54 advocates of the High Court of Kenya at State House.
He urged them to carry the title with integrity, patriotism, professionalism and humility, and to safeguard democracy, strengthen institutions and expand access to justice.
He later addressed the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly at the UN offices in Gigiri, calling for the translation of the global green transition signal from COP30 into concrete and actionable outcomes to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
He warned against building a high-tech economy on foundations of extraction and exclusion, and urged stronger support for the United Nations Environment Programme, especially for countries safeguarding global public goods amid limited fiscal space.
On the sidelines, he met Queen Mary of Denmark, reaffirming over 60 years of cordial relations rooted in diplomacy, trade, investment and cooperation in energy, agriculture and health.
He wrapped up the day's activities by presiding over the closure of the Jamhuri Day exhibition at the KICC, where he unveiled plans to grow tourism to five million visitors and over Sh1 trillion in revenue by 2028, and to rebrand the country as Magical Kenya: The Origin of Wonder.
