Ruto praises his brainchild Bottom-up agenda, credits it for economic growth

President William Ruto has said Kenya has not remained the same economically since the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) in 2022.

Speaking during his ongoing tour of Japan on Friday, August 22, 2025, the Head of State praised grassroots economic empowerment, saying it has enabled his administration to bridge inequality and promote fairness.

Economic impact of BETA

Delivering the keynote address at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) plenary summit in Yokohama City, Ruto said the agenda has expanded opportunities and enhanced access to services for millions of Kenyans.

“In Kenya, we are advancing a bottom-up agenda to build a fair and inclusive society.

“We are expanding opportunities, enhancing access to services and empowering communities at the grassroots. We are bridging the gap and ensuring prosperity is shared equally,” Ruto said.

The president noted that since 2022, BETA has targeted sectors long neglected, including agriculture, health, housing, and small enterprises.

He explained that deliberate investment in farmers, traders, and small businesses has increased productivity and reduced dependency on centralised wealth.

Africa’s growth, challenges remain

Ruto placed Kenya’s economic journey in the wider African context, noting that the continent’s economies remain resilient.

“Africa’s economies are among the fastest-growing in the world, with Sub-Saharan GDP estimated to grow by 4 per cent compared to the global average of 3 per cent.

“However, this growth has not adequately translated into poverty reduction, more jobs, or even better health and educational services,” he stated.

The president stressed that growth without equity risks leaving millions behind, urging fellow African leaders to double investments in human development.

“Better still, for inclusive growth and shared prosperity to become a reality for our citizens and consequently leave no one behind, we must substantially invest in people, their health, education and essentially their well-being,” he added.

Ruto’s remarks come at a time when his government is under pressure at home to deliver on the promises of BETA amid rising costs of living.

Nonetheless, he maintained that the reforms have begun to reposition Kenya as a model for equitable development in Africa.