President William Ruto on October 20, 2025 highlighted his administration’s agenda for transforming Kenya’s economy, energy, and infrastructure during Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Ithookwe Stadium, Kitui County.
The President highlighted the importance of Kenya having food security. “We are spending nearly 500 billion shillings importing food into Kenya every year,” he said. “This is not just an economic burden, it is a threat to our sovereignty.”
To address the challenge, the President announced a bold plan to modernize the agricultural sector. He revealed that the government aims to build at least 50 mega dams and open up two million acres of land for irrigation.
Ruto’s second national priority centered on industrialization, manufacturing, and value addition, aimed at transforming Kenya from a consumer economy into a producer nation.
The President said that it is time to revive Kenya’s textile industry, curb the importation of goods we can make ourselves, and export finished products, not just raw materials.
He added that the government is identifying industrial zones and land across the country to host textile and manufacturing factories. The President announced major plans to boost the nation’s power generation capacity.
“We are expanding Kenya’s energy-generating capacity from the current 2,300 megawatts to at least 10,000 megawatts in the next decade,” he revealed.
He further disclosed that research is underway for Kenya’s first nuclear power plant, to be established in Siaya County, marking a significant step toward reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
On infrastructure, President Ruto outlined a sweeping development plan aimed at linking producers to markets and integrating Kenya with the wider East African region.
“We will construct 1,000 kilometers of major highways and 10,000 kilometers of tarmac roads connecting farmers to markets,” he said. The government will also continue expanding the Standard Gauge Railway to strengthen Kenya’s regional trade links.
President Ruto announced that the name of the late Raila Odinga would be inscribed among Kenya’s foremost heroes under the Public Seal of Kenya. He also posthumously awarded the former Prime Minister the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, the country’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his lifelong contribution to Kenya’s democracy and unity.
President Ruto’s speech was centered around urging all Kenyans, regardless of political affiliation or region, to unite behind a collective vision for national development. The sacrifices of the past must inspire action and innovation for a stronger, self-reliant Kenya.
By Joan Kiruri
