The Head of State called for a national conversation to develop a new long-term development charter anchored on the economic and social rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Ruto compared Kenya's GDP per capita, which he said stands at about US$2,400, with South Korea's US$36,000, China's more than US$14,000 and Vietnam's US$5,000, arguing that Kenya had missed several opportunities to industrialise despite successive global economic transformations.
The President also highlighted what he described as achievements since 2022, including improved macroeconomic stability, foreign exchange reserves exceeding US$15 billion, lower inflation and reduced borrowing costs.
He added that Kenya attracted US$3.2 billion in foreign direct investment last year and cited the country's ranking as Africa's most competitive economy in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking.
National conversation set for August
Ruto announced that the National Conversation on Kenya's Future Beyond Vision 2030 will officially begin on August 12.
He said the process would be inclusive and people-driven, bringing together stakeholders from across society to shape a long-term development agenda that extends beyond electoral cycles.
The President also referenced proposals developed by a team led by Professor Hiroyuki Hino and Professor Anyang' Nyong'o, saying the recommendations indicate that Kenya has the potential to become a high-income, industrialised nation within one generation.
