President William Ruto has announced an expansive national development agenda worth KSh 5 trillion, saying the plan draws direct inspiration from Malaysia’s remarkable economic transformation and is designed to propel Kenya toward first-world status.

The Head of State made the remarks during a State House dinner hosted in honour of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is on an official visit to Nairobi.

Ruto said Malaysia’s rise from “a struggling nation to a first world status” underscores what discipline, focus and bold leadership can achieve, adding that Kenya is ready to replicate that model.

“Malaysia’s journey continues to inspire us and proves that discipline, focus, and bold leadership can transform a nation,” the President said.

He noted that the government has now laid out a clear development pathway anchored on massive investment in people, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy.

“Drawing from this inspiration, we are rolling out a KSh 5 trillion plan to invest in our people, boost agriculture through large-scale irrigation, build better roads and energy systems, and open real opportunities across the country,” he stated.

Ruto Welcomes Malaysian Leader, Cites Shared Vision

Ruto used the dinner to highlight the long-standing ties between Nairobi and Kuala Lumpur, noting that the two countries have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1965.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the government and people of Kenya, it is my profound pleasure to warmly welcome you and your distinguished delegation to Nairobi,” he said.

The President pointed out that Kenya and Malaysia share mutual values and aspirations, with growing cooperation in manufacturing, digital innovation, education, and technical capacity building.

“These areas not only hold immense promise for elevating our partnership, Your Excellency, but also align closely with Kenya’s new roadmap for accelerated transformation into a first world economy,” he added.

Ruto further revealed that Malaysia’s achievements had a significant influence on his own government’s vision.

“We draw profound inspiration from Malaysia’s remarkable transformation… we are advancing our Kenya shillings 5 trillion plan to invest in our people, expand agricultural productivity, build world-class infrastructure and power our industries with reliable, abundant energy,” he said.

The President disclosed that he personally travelled to Malaysia three times before taking office because he studied the country’s reforms.

“I have read a lot about Malaysia, and it was something that inspired me to even think about many of the things that today we are doing in Kenya, including your housing plan,” he stated.

Also Read: Ruto Reveals 4 Strategic Actions to Move Kenya Forward

Background: The Roadmap Unveiled During State of the Nation Address

Ruto’s remarks come days after he presented the same plan to Parliament during the State of the Nation Address, describing it as the country’s long-term blueprint for accelerated transformation.

He outlined four major national priorities that he said form the minimum foundation of Kenya’s next stage of growth.

“I am today submitting our roadmap to take Kenya to the next level,” the President told lawmakers, stressing that the agenda begins with heavy investment in education, skills development, and scientific innovation.

He said the government has expanded the education budget from KSh 490 billion in 2021 to more than KSh 700 billion in 2025.

“This investment has translated into better infrastructure, more teachers, and enhanced funding for colleges and universities,” he noted.

He added that the newly created State Department for Science, Researc,h and Innovation will help Kenya actualise its plan to raise research funding to 2% of GDP.

“Progressively, we should grow the fund to KSh 1 trillion over the next 10 years,” he said.

Agriculture Shift Through Irrigation

Ruto identified irrigation-led agriculture as the second national priority, saying Kenya can no longer rely on rain-fed farming.

“We can no longer allow the clouds to determine whether our people eat or not,” he warned.

He announced plans to construct 50 mega dams, 200 medium dams, and thousands of micro dams to put 2.5 million acres under irrigation within seven years.

“With dams, we can transform our arid and semi-arid areas into hubs of agricultural production,” he said, listing dam sites across High Grand Falls, Isiolo-Barsalinga, Soin Koru, Rumuruti, Lowaat, and Kokwanyo.

Also Read: Fact-Check: What President Ruto Got Wrong in His State of the Nation Speech

Energy Expansion and Transport Overhaul

The third national priority is power generation, with Ruto saying Kenya must add at least 10,000MW in the next seven years.

“No nation has developed without abundant, reliable, affordable power,” he said.

On transport, the President revealed plans to dual 2,500 highways, tarmac 28,000 kilometres of roads and extend the Standard Gauge Railway to Kisumu and Malaba beginning January 2026.

“Efficient transport and logistics are the backbone of our competitiveness,” he noted.

A Trillion-Shilling Vision

Ruto acknowledged that the KSh 5 trillion financing requirement may appear ambitious.

“This is undeniably a large sum… some may see it as unrealistic, even audacious,” he said, but maintained that the plan reflects Kenya’s determination to become a first-world economy.

The President concluded his State House remarks with a toast to Kenya–Malaysia friendship, expressing optimism that Kenya will follow Malaysia’s example.

“In this new chapter we reject mediocrity and embrace the discipline and innovation that define true national progress,” he said.

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President William Ruto presiding over the award of charter to Gretsa University at State House Nairobi. PHOTO/Ruto X