President William Ruto has called on Kenya’s diplomats to take a more assertive role in positioning the country as a premium global investment destination.
Speaking during the 19th Ambassadors and High Commissioners Conference in Nairobi today Saturday, President Ruto urged envoys to project a positive image of Kenya and secure partnerships that deliver tangible benefits.
“You are called upon to articulate, position and present to the world the full breadth of Kenya’s potential a diplomats must translate the country’s promise into meaningful outcomes,” said Ruto.
The conference was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu, and over 70 ambassadors and consul-generals.
President Ruto said the government has embarked on an ambitious KSh5 trillion ($40 billion) transformation plan aimed at turning Kenya into a first-world economy.
He added the plan includes major infrastructure expansion, with at least 2,500km of dual carriageways and 28,000km of tarmac roads, alongside модерниsation of rail, airports, and seaports.
The head of state further noted energy capacity is also set to rise from 3,300MW to 10,000MW to support industries and households, while a nationwide water programme will see the construction of 50 mega dams and over 1,000 smaller dams to boost irrigation and food security.
The President noted that tenders for the first 15 mega dams are already underway, stressing that the success of the plan will require coordinated efforts locally and internationally.
He urged envoys to remain optimistic and dismiss negative narratives about the country.
“If you read social media, you will think Kenya is going to collapse tomorrow,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
On the economy, President Ruto said reforms such as expenditure rationalisation and subsidy removal have stabilised key indicators saying inflation has dropped to 4.3 per cent in February 2026 from 9.6 per cent three years ago, while foreign direct investment rose by 15 per cent in 2025 to surpass $2 billion.
On foreign exchange he said reserves have increased significantly from $5.7 billion in 2022 to $14.6 billion, with projections to reach $16 billion in the coming months. The Kenyan shilling has remained stable at KSh129 against the dollar.
The President also cited gains in education, including the hiring of 100,000 teachers and construction of 23,000 classrooms, as well as reforms in agriculture that have improved productivity and farmers’ earnings.
On healthcare the president said over 30 million Kenyans have been registered under the Social Health Authority, expanding access to public health insurance.
He at the same time highlighted the Affordable Housing Programme, which has created over 640,000 jobs for young people, with a target of one million by next year. Digital jobs and overseas employment programmes have also expanded opportunities.
Ruto noted that more than 300 multinational corporations have established operations in Kenya, reflecting growing investor confidence.
He further underscored Kenya’s role on the global stage, including peacekeeping efforts in Haiti and regional stabilisation initiatives, as well as leadership in climate action and African Union reforms.
Mr Mudavadi said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advancing the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda through strategic partnerships, boosting exports to key markets such as China, the European Union, and the United Arab Emirates.
Edited by John Majau
