Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has reiterated the government’s ambitious plan to transform Kenya into a first-world economy within a single generation, stressing that the goal is achievable if the country remains focused on people-centred development, technology, and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at the 14th Development Partners Forum 2026 in Karen, Nairobi, Prof. Kindiki asserted that Kenya’s aspirations are realistic and attainable, pointing to countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, which achieved similar economic transformations within a few decades.
“Our next vision is clear: to transform Kenya into a first-world economy within a generation. There is absolutely no reason why Kenya cannot do it,” he said.
The Deputy President reaffirmed that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) remains the government’s central blueprint for development, dismissing claims that it has been sidelined. He said the agenda is anchored on three pillars; people, partnerships, and technology, which will form the foundation for Kenya’s future growth.
“People must remain at the centre of development planning. Technology will accelerate our transformation, and partnerships will mobilise the resources we need to achieve our national ambitions,” Prof. Kindiki said.
Prof. Kindiki highlighted agriculture as the fastest and most effective way to lift millions of Kenyans out of poverty. He noted that the government is investing heavily in water harvesting, irrigation, and storage to make the sector more productive, reliable, and employment-generating.
According to the Deputy President, the State is constructing both mega and medium-sized dams, alongside over a thousand water pans across the country, aiming to bring an additional 2.5 million acres under irrigation.
On infrastructure, Prof. Kindiki said roads, railways, ports, airports, and energy projects are not just growth enablers, they are direct drivers of jobs and industrial expansion. He stressed the need to modernize Kenya’s infrastructure at a faster pace to meet the country’s economic ambitions.
“If we move at the old pace, we will not reach where Kenya must go,” he warned.
Prof. Kindiki also announced progress toward establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund, which he said will cushion the economy, finance long-term infrastructure, and safeguard future generations from mismanagement of mineral and oil revenues.
He added that Kenya is mobilizing capital through financial markets, public-private partnerships, and private investment via the infrastructure fund to sustainably finance the country’s transformation.
The Deputy President emphasized the importance of national security, warning that without long-term stability, economic gains could be reversed.
“Integrity, the rule of law, justice, and national unity are not optional but foundational to Kenya’s transformation,” he said.
He further highlighted the government’s investments in education, research, and innovation, revealing that research funding has been increased to two per cent of GDP to ensure innovation drives Kenya’s future economy and job creation.
Addressing development partners, Prof. Kindiki stressed that all programmes must align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, not as a procedural requirement, but to respond to the priorities of Kenyans. He noted that some programmes would be realigned, renegotiated, or retired to accelerate transformation.
“Transformation must happen now, not tomorrow,” he said.
The Deputy President also highlighted the NYOTA programme as a key youth-focused initiative. He said it is designed to enhance employability, entrepreneurship, skills development, and a savings culture among young people, empowering them to drive Kenya’s economic transformation.
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