Stop demonising your country and believe in Kenya, Ruto says

President William Ruto speaking during a public lecture at the LUISS School of Government in Rome on April 21/PCS

President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to adopt a more positive outlook about the country, urging citizens both at home and abroad to embrace patriotism and take pride in Kenya’s progress.

Speaking during a meeting with Kenyans living in Italy on Tuesday, April 21, the President said national development is not driven by policy alone but also by the mindset of citizens and how they perceive their country.

He emphasised that investment in science, innovation and technology remains central to Kenya’s development agenda, alongside strengthened security and improved governance systems aimed at tackling corruption and enhancing accountability.

“We need security. We need to invest in securing our country. And number three, we need to work on our governance to make sure that we deal with corruption, we deal with patriotism, and we begin to believe in ourselves,” Ruto said.

He added that lasting transformation will require Kenyans to build confidence in the country’s potential and change how they think about national progress.

“We need to begin to believe in our country,” he said.

However, the President also raised concern over what he described as a tendency among some Kenyans to portray the country negatively, particularly in global spaces.

“You know, there are so many unpatriotic Kenyans. We talk about Kenya as if they have a clear country. You know, so you demonise Kenya, so you do what? So that you belong where? Who is going to give you their country?” he posed.

Ruto said citizens should be mindful of how they speak about Kenya, warning that constant criticism without constructive engagement risks weakening national identity and pride.

He further called for what he described as a “shift in mindset", saying Kenya’s progress depends on transforming attitudes, beliefs and values in support of nation-building.

“We need to think about our country in a much more positive way,” he said.

The President was speaking during engagements with the Kenyan diaspora in Italy, where he also highlighted government priorities including strengthening security, boosting innovation, and deepening governance reforms aimed at improving service delivery and curbing corruption.

His remarks come as the government continues to position Kenya as a regional hub for innovation and seeks to encourage greater participation from the diaspora in national development efforts.