Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, January 23, 2026, during the commissioning of interns under the national housing programme, the President dismissed the opposition’s claims as politically motivated and detached from reality.
“Some people say Kenya is a failed state. If there is failure, then it is in their minds,” Ruto said, drawing applause from the gathering of young interns and government officials.
The Head of State argued that Kenya’s economy has undergone a major turnaround since he took office in 2022, attributing the progress to what he described as disciplined fiscal policies and bold strategic decisions by his administration.
“We have made the necessary decisions. Today, I can confidently stand before this gathering and before the people of Kenya that our economy is way different from what it was in 2022,” Ruto said.
Ruto pointed to recent economic indicators to support his case, noting that Kenya is now among the top six largest economies in Africa, ahead of some of its regional peers, including Ethiopia.
He also cited the country’s improved foreign exchange position, revealing that Kenya’s reserves had grown from about $7 billion — equivalent to roughly two and a half months of import cover — to a historic high of $12.3 billion.
“These are not accidents. They are the result of disciplined policies, hard choices, and a commitment to stabilising our economy,” he said.
The President said the gains demonstrated that Kenya was on a solid recovery path and far from the picture of collapse painted by his critics.
Ruto used the occasion to defend his government’s development agenda, saying flagship projects such as the Affordable Housing Programme and other universal service initiatives were beginning to bear fruit despite sustained criticism from the opposition.
“Our challenge in Kenya is not development. Our challenge is leadership,” he said. “We have projects that are working. We have programmes that are delivering. What we need is the resolve to stay the course.”
He accused opposition leaders of deliberately downplaying government achievements to score political points, warning that such rhetoric could undermine investor confidence and public morale.
“The politics of despair does not build a nation. The politics of cynicism does not create jobs,” Ruto said.
The opposition has in recent months intensified its attacks on the government, describing the housing programme and other flagship initiatives as wasteful, poorly managed, and disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Kenyans.
Some opposition figures have also accused the administration of presiding over rising living costs, high unemployment, and increasing public debt, arguing that these trends point to deeper structural failures in governance.
But Ruto rejected those accusations, saying his government had inherited a fragile economy and was now steadily repairing it through tough reforms.
“We did not come into office in a vacuum. We found an economy under severe stress. What we are doing now is stabilising it and putting it back on a growth path,” he said.
The President also sought to reassure young people in attendance, telling the interns that the government was investing in skills development, job creation, and entrepreneurship as part of a broader plan to secure Kenya’s long-term prosperity.
“You are the future of this country. We are not building Kenya for ourselves alone; we are building it for you and the generations to come,” he said.
Ruto said programmes such as the housing internships were designed to equip young graduates with practical experience while also contributing to national development.
“This is about giving you an opportunity to be part of the solution, to be part of building a stronger Kenya,” he said.
Despite the upbeat tone from State House, analysts caution that Kenya still faces significant economic challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and pressure on household incomes.
Economist Jane Mwikali said while the improvement in foreign reserves and macroeconomic indicators was encouraging, ordinary Kenyans were yet to feel the impact in their daily lives.
“Stabilisation at the macro level is important, but it must translate into lower living costs, better jobs, and improved public services if the government is to win public confidence,” she said.
Political analyst Martin Ochieng’ said the President’s sharp response to the opposition reflected growing political tensions as the 2027 General Election draws closer.
“Calling Kenya a failed state is provocative language, and Ruto’s rebuttal is aimed at projecting confidence and control,” Ochieng’ said.
“But the real test will be whether economic improvements are felt on the ground.”
As debate over the state of the nation intensifies, Ruto remains defiant, insisting that Kenya is firmly on the path to recovery and growth.
“Kenya is not a failed state,” he said.
As debate over the state of the nation intensifies, Ruto remains defiant, insisting that Kenya is firmly on the path to recovery and growth.
“Kenya is not a failed state,” he said.
“Kenya is a work in progress, and we are moving in the right direction.”
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