Ruto Dismisses Opposition Claims, Says Kenya Is Not a Failed State
By Malticks - January 23, 2026
Speaking on Friday, January 23, 2026, at State House Nairobi during the commissioning of interns under the national housing programme, the President said Kenya is on a clear path of economic recovery and growth. He argued that the opposition’s narrative is based on pessimism rather than facts.
Ruto said that if there is any failure being spoken about, then it exists only in the minds of critics who have chosen to ignore progress made since his administration took office in 2022.
According to the President, Kenya’s economy has significantly improved and is now ranked among the top six largest economies in Africa.
He noted that the country has overtaken some of its regional peers, attributing the growth to disciplined economic policies and tough but necessary decisions taken by his government.
“We made deliberate choices to stabilize and grow the economy. Today, I can confidently say that Kenya is not where it was in 2022,” Ruto told the gathering.
He further pointed to the rise in foreign exchange reserves as proof of economic stability. Ruto said reserves have grown from about 7 billion dollars, which covered roughly two and a half months of imports, to a historic high of over 12 billion dollars.
The President also used the occasion to defend government development projects that have come under heavy criticism from the opposition.
“We made deliberate choices to stabilize and grow the economy. Today, I can confidently say that Kenya is not where it was in 2022,” Ruto told the gathering.
He further pointed to the rise in foreign exchange reserves as proof of economic stability. Ruto said reserves have grown from about 7 billion dollars, which covered roughly two and a half months of imports, to a historic high of over 12 billion dollars.
The President also used the occasion to defend government development projects that have come under heavy criticism from the opposition.
He highlighted the affordable housing programme, the universal healthcare plan, and other state-led initiatives, saying they are already delivering results.
Ruto argued that the main challenge facing the country is not development, but leadership. He accused some political leaders of focusing on political attacks instead of offering constructive alternatives to improve the lives of Kenyans.
“The issue is not that Kenya has failed. The issue is that some leaders have failed to rise above politics and support national development,” he said.
The opposition has consistently questioned the viability of government projects, especially the housing programme, calling them wasteful and unsustainable.
Ruto argued that the main challenge facing the country is not development, but leadership. He accused some political leaders of focusing on political attacks instead of offering constructive alternatives to improve the lives of Kenyans.
“The issue is not that Kenya has failed. The issue is that some leaders have failed to rise above politics and support national development,” he said.
The opposition has consistently questioned the viability of government projects, especially the housing programme, calling them wasteful and unsustainable.
However, Ruto insisted that these initiatives are creating jobs, supporting young professionals, and driving long-term growth.
He also expressed optimism that Kenya’s economy will continue to improve in the coming months, urging citizens to remain hopeful and supportive of government efforts.
Ruto’s remarks come amid rising political tensions, with economic performance becoming a central issue in the ongoing debate between the government and the opposition.
He also expressed optimism that Kenya’s economy will continue to improve in the coming months, urging citizens to remain hopeful and supportive of government efforts.
Ruto’s remarks come amid rising political tensions, with economic performance becoming a central issue in the ongoing debate between the government and the opposition.
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