Ruto Unveils KSh 5 Trillion Loan-Free Projects to Transform Kenya into a First-World Nation

President William Ruto has outlined an ambitious plan to transform Kenya into a first-world country over the next decade, unveiling KSh 5 trillion worth of loan-free mega projects

The announcement was made during his State of the Nation address to Members of Parliament and senators on Thursday, November 20

The president identified four key pillars for national development: investing in people, transforming the economy, expanding energy production, and modernizing transportation and logistics

To finance these projects without burdening taxpayers, Ruto announced the creation of a National Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund, aimed at providing sustainable and innovative financing solutions

“We cannot continue relying on unsustainable borrowing or raising taxes to fund critical infrastructure. But postponing these needs will jeopardize our future,” he said

Major Projects and Initiatives
Ruto highlighted several flagship projects, including:

• Construction of 50 mega-dams and 200 medium and small dams for irrigation

• Expansion of energy generation to 10,000 megawatts

• Upgrading 28,000 km of roads, including dualling 21 major highways such as Rironi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Summit and Machakos Junction–Mariakani

• Expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Mombasa and Lamu ports

The president also emphasized education and innovation, noting that the national education budget has increased from KSh 490 billion in 2021 to over KSh 700 billion in 2025, with a focus on STEM programs to drive research and skills development

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On economic transformation, Ruto stressed the need for Kenya to move from being a net importer to a net exporter, reducing the annual KSh 500 billion spent on imported agricultural products

Additionally, the government has rolled out 1,500 public Wi-Fi spots to enhance internet access and connectivity nationwide

Ruto’s ambitious vision draws inspiration from countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia, aiming to place Kenya firmly on the path to becoming a competitive, high-income nation within the next decade

Writer : Mweru Mbugua