Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto’s claim that Kenya can cut poverty in half within the next 20 years.
Speaking on Monday, Kindiki pointed to China’s success story, saying the Asian giant lifted 800 million people out of poverty between 1981 and 2020.
“That is roughly 200 million every 10 years,” he noted, highlighting a model Kenya could follow.
Kenya currently has around 20 million people living in poverty—about 40 percent of the population, according to 2022 statistics.
Kindiki argued it is possible to reduce this number by 10 million every decade, achieving a major milestone in two decades.
“This is realistic with proper planning and policy,” he said, emphasizing that Kenya can follow a clear, step-by-step approach to poverty eradication.
Analysts warn that achieving this will require investment in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, plus strong social protection programs. They say governance and reforms will be critical to success.
Kenya’s poverty fight is part of the government’s broader development agenda, including Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda.
Kindiki’s remarks underline the administration’s focus on long-term strategies to improve economic opportunities for all Kenyans.
While some critics see the 20-year goal as ambitious, the deputy president said countries like China show that coordinated efforts can produce big results over time.