Ruto tasks envoys with driving Kenya's first-world ambition
National
By
PCS
| Jan 20, 2026
President William Ruto has urged Kenya’s ambassadors and high commissioners to actively champion the government’s agenda of transforming the country into a first-world economy by safeguarding national interests and strengthening mutually beneficial international partnerships.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, during the official dispatch of envoys to their respective foreign postings, the President said the ambitious development agenda requires collective effort from Kenyans serving both at home and abroad.
“Those of us serving within the Republic and those serving outside Kenya are working collectively towards a common goal of elevating our country to a first-world status,” he said.
At the same time, Ruto revealed that the government has rolled out a robust infrastructure framework to support the economic transition, noting that the process formally began on Monday with a move to the capital market to raise Sh106 billion through the Kenya Pipeline Company Initial Public Offering.
He explained that the funds, expected to be fully raised within a month, will be strictly channelled towards the development of mega infrastructure projects and not used for debt repayment, salaries or other recurrent expenditures.
READ MORE
KPRL: The trump card for Kenya Pipeline in post-stake sale era
AfDB Backs Kenya's geothermal expansion with Sh2.6b loan
Public officers' vehicle financing scheme crucial for service delivery
Long-stay cargo at Mombasa Port to be moved to ease congestion
State reforms accreditation system to boost trade, market access
Safaricom partial divestiture: Endless scrutiny or bold infrastructure growth?
New bid to double Kenya-UK trade to Sh680b
Why blended finance is gaining traction in Kenya's search for sustainable funding
'We are coming for you,' Why KRA has suspended nil tax filings
EAC launches first regional framework to strengthen pandemic preparedness
“This money is going to be dedicated to the development of infrastructure that is going to lift our country to the next level,” Ruto stated.
Among the envoys dispatched were Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri (Türkiye), Lucy Kiruthu (Thailand), Henry Wambuma (Burundi), Catherine Kirumba Karemu (Tanzania), George Morara Orina (Ireland), Abdirashid Salat Abdille (Indonesia) and Joseph Musyoka Masila (Saudi Arabia).
Others included Edwin Afande (Austria), Florence Chepngetich Bore (Namibia), Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange (Tanzania), Judy Kiaria Nkumiri (DR Congo), Mohamed Amin Sheikh Nuh (Germany) and David Mwangi Karanja (Korea).