Kenya’s Growth Anchored on Bottom-Up Agenda – Ruto
In his opinion, inclusive growth could only be provided by investing in human development—particularly in education, healthcare, and community welfare.
Ruto was addressing leaders at the plenary summit of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama City. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
President William Ruto has attributed the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) with powering Kenya’s economic growth since it was launched in 2022.
Addressing a gathering on Friday, August 22, 2025, during his state visit to Japan, the President noted that the agenda has changed lives at the grassroots level. He added that the policy has assisted in addressing inequality and brought about fairness in the opportunity to access opportunities.
Ruto was addressing leaders at the plenary summit of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama City. In his keynote address, he outlined how BETA has created economic space and unlocked opportunities for millions of Kenyans to access basic services.
“Here in Kenya, we are leading the way on a bottom-up trajectory that ensures equity and inclusivity,” Ruto stated. “We are looking to empower communities, unleash opportunities, and ensure prosperity for all.”
The President pointed out that the program targets strategic sectors long ignored. These include agriculture, housing, health, and small business. By intentionally investing in farmers, traders, and micro-enterprises, his government has enhanced productivity levels as well as bridging the gap on excessive reliance on centralized systems of wealth.
Ruto also placed Kenya’s achievement within the continental context. He observed that the economies of the continent remain robust in spite of global setbacks. Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP, he said, is predicted to increase by 4 percent, compared with the global average of 3 percent.
However, he warned that growth figures are not enough on their own. “This growth has not yet fully translated into the alleviation of poverty, the generation of jobs, or greater access to education and health,” he said.
He urged African leaders to channel more resources towards the welfare of people. In his opinion, inclusive growth could only be provided by investing in human development—particularly in education, healthcare, and community welfare.
His declaration is at a time when Kenyans in the country are demanding that his government address the high cost of living. However, Ruto asserted that BETA is slowly turning the country into an equal and balanced economy. He asserted to be optimistic that Kenya is positioning itself as a model for balanced growth in Africa.
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