David Ndii on Ruto’s Singapore dream: South Korea was transformed by very corrupt elite
By Ascah Mwango, December 20, 2025Renowned economist David Ndii has defended President William Ruto’s vision to transform Kenya into an economic powerhouse similar to Singapore, countering critics who argue that corruption makes such a goal impossible.
In a post on X, Ndii responded to a tweep who said Kenya could never reach first-world status due to widespread corruption. Ndii argued that corruption has not prevented other countries from achieving rapid economic development, citing South Korea and other Asian nations that thrived under corrupt elites.
He also pointed out that corruption is not a capital offence in Singapore, challenging the notion that zero corruption is required for success.
“Corruption is not a capital offence in Singapore. South Korea was transformed by a very corrupt elite, as was Suharto’s Indonesia. Suharto still tops the global kleptocrats wealth index,” Ndii declared.
In his State of the Nation address on November 20, 2025, President Ruto said Kenya was on a historic path to join the world’s most advanced economies, drawing inspiration from Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and other Asian tiger economies.
He emphasised that reforms over his first three years have laid strong foundations for economic growth and urged citizens to abandon a culture of settling for average outcomes.
Ruto outlined an ambitious programme involving infrastructure expansion, industrialisation, energy growth, and irrigation to drive long-term development. His administration is seeking parliamentary approval for a multi-trillion shilling investment plan to finance roads, railways, energy projects, and agricultural irrigation without raising new taxes.
The government has also moved to establish sovereign wealth and infrastructure funds to attract investment and accelerate national projects while reducing reliance on traditional public borrowing.
Critics, however, caution that Kenya’s pursuit of a Singapore-style economy overlooks structural challenges. Former Chief Justice David Maraga pointed to Singapore’s strict anti-corruption enforcement, fiscal discipline, and meritocratic governance as essential for success, warning that these pillars remain fragile in Kenya.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the vision, urging sceptics to view Kenya’s development goals broadly, noting that large Asian economies like China transformed rapidly despite complex challenges.