Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Kenya into a developed economy, saying the country’s ambitions should not be dismissed on the basis of comparisons with smaller nations.
In a statement published on his official X account, Kindiki said Kenya’s development agenda is informed by multiple global examples and is achievable within a single generation.
The Deputy President addressed public commentary questioning President William Ruto’s frequent reference to Singapore as a benchmark for economic transformation.
Without naming individuals, Kindiki said such views overlook the broader framework guiding the administration’s development strategy.
According to Kindiki, Kenya’s outlook is not limited to Singapore’s experience as a compact city-state.
He stated that the government is also drawing lessons from larger Asian economies that have undergone rapid transformation within recent history.
He cited China as a key reference point, noting that the country moved from poverty to advanced economic status within four decades after reforms began in 1978.
In his post, Kindiki highlighted China’s scale, placing its population at about 1.5 billion and its land size at 9.6 million square kilometres.
He contrasted this with Kenya’s population of about 55 million and a land area of 582,646 square kilometres, arguing that size alone does not prevent economic progress.
“Kenya will transition to the first world in our lifetime,” Kindiki said, without outlining specific timelines or new policy measures.
President Ruto has consistently framed his economic agenda around accelerated industrialisation, export growth, and efficiency in public service.
His administration has promoted infrastructure expansion, housing projects, manufacturing, and digital services as pillars of long-term growth under the Kenya Kwanza programme.
The Singapore comparison has featured prominently in public discourse since Ruto took office, reflecting broader conversations on governance, economic planning, and implementation capacity.
Government officials have maintained that global development models are used as reference points rather than exact templates.
Kindiki’s remarks come at a time when Kenyans continue to debate the pace and direction of economic reforms, particularly in the context of rising living costs and fiscal adjustments.
His statement focused on reaffirming the administration’s confidence in its long-term vision, rather than responding to specific policy criticisms.