Ruto: Kenya on path to stability and prosperity

President William Ruto has expressed optimism that Kenya is on the right track to economic stability and long-term prosperity.

The President cited major gains in agricultural growth, inflation control and the strengthening of the currency as key indicators of national progress.

Addressing the nation during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay county on Sunday, Ruto said his administration has weathered significant economic challenges since taking office and laid the foundation for sustainable development.

“Since August 2022, Kenya has recorded an average annual growth rate of five per cent, outperforming the global average of 3.3 per cent and the regional average of 3.8 per cent,” Ruto announced to a packed audience, highlighting what he described as a strong rebound from turbulent times.

The President noted that just last month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected Kenya’s GDP to hit $132 billion (Sh17 trillion)—making it the largest economy in East and Central Africa, and the sixth-largest on the continent.

He attributed the turnaround to “bold and consistent reforms” under his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which he said is no longer just a slogan but a tangible reality for millions of Kenyans.

“Bottom-Up is not just a mere slogan. Today, it is a lived reality…transforming lives and reshaping destinies across the country, day by day,” he said.

The President detailed a sharp decline in inflation, from 9.6 per cent in October 2022 to 3.8 per cent in May 2025, crediting the government's fiscal discipline and monetary coordination with the Central Bank of Kenya.

He further noted that the Kenyan shilling had appreciated by nearly 20 per cent, from Sh162 to Sh129 per US dollar, making it one of the best-performing currencies globally this year.

Additionally, the Central Bank Rate (CBR) has dropped from 13 per to 10 per cent, easing credit access and stimulating private sector growth.

“These improvements are not by chance—they reflect the strength of our economic fundamentals and the impact of our reform agenda,” Ruto stated.

As he concluded his address, Ruto called on Kenyans to rally behind a shared national vision and sustain the momentum of progress.

“We must remain steadfast in our belief in Kenya’s potential and in our ability to realise our dreams,” he said. “Let us never become a nation that stopped believing, nor a people who only dreamt but were too afraid to act.”