Speaking on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County, the President said his economic agenda has remained consistent since the 2022 General Election and accused critics of misrepresenting his policies for political gain.
Ruto argued that BETA was never intended to be a populist slogan, but a comprehensive economic blueprint designed to move Kenya from a developing economy into a first-world nation.
He maintained that the same plan that secured him more than 7.2 million votes remains the foundation of his government’s policy decisions.
“Bottom-up was not empty talk. It was a plan to lift Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country,” the President said.
“Bottom-up was not empty talk. It was a plan to lift Kenya from a third-world country to a first-world country,” the President said.
“Those claiming we have abandoned it should go and read the Kenya Kwanza manifesto.”
The President pointed critics to page 10 of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, saying it clearly outlines a long-term vision of transforming Kenya into a globally competitive economy, comparable to countries such as Singapore.
The President pointed critics to page 10 of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, saying it clearly outlines a long-term vision of transforming Kenya into a globally competitive economy, comparable to countries such as Singapore.
According to Ruto, the frequently referenced “Singapore Dream” is not a new narrative but an idea that has always been embedded in his economic strategy.
He also defended the Cabinet’s recent approval of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), stating that the initiative was part of the original manifesto and not a policy shift introduced midstream.
He also defended the Cabinet’s recent approval of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), stating that the initiative was part of the original manifesto and not a policy shift introduced midstream.
The fund is expected to mobilise long-term capital for major infrastructure projects, a key pillar of Ruto’s development agenda.
“There is nothing we are implementing today that was not in our plan,” he said.
“There is nothing we are implementing today that was not in our plan,” he said.
“The national infrastructure plan was not parachuted into government. It was in the manifesto the people voted for.”
Growing Criticism
Ruto’s remarks come amid rising criticism from opposition leaders, economists and civil society groups who argue that the administration’s messaging has shifted away from grassroots empowerment toward aspirational comparisons with advanced economies.
Critics say that while BETA initially resonated with ordinary Kenyans facing unemployment, low incomes and a rising cost of living, the Singapore analogy risks alienating citizens struggling with immediate economic pressures.
Growing Criticism
Ruto’s remarks come amid rising criticism from opposition leaders, economists and civil society groups who argue that the administration’s messaging has shifted away from grassroots empowerment toward aspirational comparisons with advanced economies.
Critics say that while BETA initially resonated with ordinary Kenyans facing unemployment, low incomes and a rising cost of living, the Singapore analogy risks alienating citizens struggling with immediate economic pressures.
They argue that the focus should remain on short-term relief and tangible improvements for small businesses, farmers and low-income households.
Some analysts also question whether large-scale infrastructure investments can deliver inclusive growth without parallel measures to address inequality and household financial stress.
Government’s Position
Despite the criticism, the government insists that bottom-up empowerment and long-term economic transformation are not mutually exclusive.
Some analysts also question whether large-scale infrastructure investments can deliver inclusive growth without parallel measures to address inequality and household financial stress.
Government’s Position
Despite the criticism, the government insists that bottom-up empowerment and long-term economic transformation are not mutually exclusive.
Officials argue that investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and industrialisation are necessary to create jobs, expand productivity and support the very grassroots communities BETA aims to uplift.
Ruto’s forceful defence signals a determination to stay the course, even as public debate intensifies over the pace, priorities and messaging of his economic agenda.
Ruto’s forceful defence signals a determination to stay the course, even as public debate intensifies over the pace, priorities and messaging of his economic agenda.
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