Paul Muite: Crippling debts can’t transform Kenya from third-world to first
Lawyer Paul Muite has raised concerns over Kenya’s growing debt and questioned the transparency of government deals involving major national projects.
Muite said that some agreements between the government and private investors are opaque and could impose heavy financial burdens on future generations.
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In a statement on X on Monday, November 10, 2025, Muite compared Kenya’s approach to infrastructure projects with Morocco’s, saying Morocco runs a transparent system that allows public participation and accountability. “Morocco transparent ‘Public Tender’, Kenya Gov/ Private Investors ‘Opaque Agreement’,” Muite said.
He singled out the deal involving the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), claiming that its main objective appears to be personal gain rather than national benefit. “JKIA: Objective, massive kickbacks. Repayment on future generations,” he said. Muite warned that such arrangements will trap the country in long-term debt, making it impossible for Kenya to achieve the kind of progress seen in developed nations.
Warns of burden on future generations
According to Muite, the continuous borrowing and lack of transparency in public projects could cripple Kenya’s economy instead of transforming it. He said, “Crippling debts can’t transform Kenya from 3rd to 1st World, Singapore!”
His remarks come shortly after President William Ruto said his administration would shock those who doubt Kenya’s ability to move from a third-world to a first-world country. During his address, Ruto said his government has already delivered on several promises that many people did not believe were possible.
Ruto said, “Wale walikua hawaamini ya kwana tunawea ajiri walimu, sasa tumeajiri walimu laki moja. Hawakuamini tunaweza mfumo ya afya mpya, sasa tuko na sha na wananchi milioni ishirini na saba tayari wamejiandikisha. Hawakuamini programme ya affordable housing itaendelea, sasa inaendelea.”
He added that some leaders who lack an agenda have been spreading doubts about Kenya’s potential, but his government remains focused on delivering development. “Sasa naskia wale watu wa ukabila, wale watu hawana agenda eti wanasema haiwezekani Kenya kutoka third world iwe first world… but we are going to shock you,” Ruto said.
