Imagine a nation brimming with potential, yet held back by a mindset that's just... okay. That's the stark reality President William Ruto is challenging Kenyans to confront head-on.
President William Ruto recently sparked a powerful conversation when he addressed Kenyan expatriates in Doha, Qatar, during a break from the United Nations Social Development Summit on November 4, 2025. In his speech, he pinpointed what he sees as Kenya's greatest hurdle: a widespread attitude of "average thinking" that settles for the ordinary instead of striving for greatness. But here's where it gets controversial— is this really the root cause of our slow progress, or could it be deeper issues like systemic barriers that are being overlooked?
Ruto passionately urged his fellow citizens to ditch this mediocre outlook and embrace bold, ambitious thinking to accelerate Kenya's journey toward prosperity and international strength. Speaking on Tuesday at the gathering with Kenyans residing in Doha, he emphasized that without a shift to visionary and daring ideas, the country's development will continue at a sluggish pace.
"My friends," he declared, "the biggest issue facing Kenya is this average mindset—nothing special, just the norm. We need to elevate our standards, boost our aspirations, and dream big about what's possible... It's time to chase excellence and leave mediocrity behind." The President, who assumed office in 2022 with a focus on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), stressed that Kenya's evolution hinges on people who genuinely believe in turning ambitious dreams into reality.
He encouraged Kenyans to draw inspiration from nations that have soared ahead through creative innovation, relentless effort, and strict self-discipline. "This ordinary way of thinking is what's holding us back," he pointed out. "We glance at challenges and deem them unbeatable. Yet, others have overcome them—why can't we rise to the occasion?"
Ruto reminded the audience of expatriates that his government's economic strategy aims to uplift everyday people, particularly those in the informal economy, by giving them full access to the nation's economic opportunities. Think of street vendors, small farmers, or local artisans—these are the folks BETA is designed to empower. The agenda prioritizes boosting small businesses, farming, and production industries, while tackling youth joblessness. It also includes groundbreaking programs like affordable housing and universal health coverage through social insurance, though these have met some pushback from certain groups. Ruto acknowledged this resistance, noting that success demands widespread trust and a collective drive for betterment.
"So, I'm here to convince you, as proud citizens of our remarkable land, to commit to transforming Kenya. Together, we have the power to achieve it," he urged.
This meeting with the diaspora took place alongside the United Nations Social Development Summit, a global event kicking off that Tuesday and wrapping up on Thursday. And this is the part most people miss—the diaspora isn't just a community abroad; they're a lifeline sending billions in remittances and fueling investments back home. Ruto highlighted steps his administration is taking to better support these vital contributors, such as speeding up passport processing so job seekers can get travel documents in just three days instead of the previous three months.
Additionally, over 600 shady labor agencies have been shut down to shield workers from scams, and only nations with official bilateral labor pacts will be permitted to hire Kenyan talent. "We're also working on reducing the costs and complexities of sending money home and opening more avenues for investment, like a proposed diaspora bond, to amplify their economic impact," the President explained.
The summit itself unites global leaders to champion a human-focused development model, aiming to wipe out poverty, ensure meaningful jobs for all, and build stronger social bonds.
Now, here's a thought-provoking angle: While Ruto's call for "average thinking" to end is inspiring, some might argue it's too simplistic. Does it place too much blame on individual mindsets without addressing structural problems like corruption or inequality that make "excellence" harder for many? Or is it a wake-up call that could unite the nation? What do you think—does Kenya need a mental shift, or are there bigger systemic changes required first? Share your views in the comments below; let's debate this!
