President William Ruto has insisted that Kenya should no longer be classified among Third World or developing nations, arguing that the country’s athletic dominance reflects its true potential for global excellence.

Speaking on Thursday morning at State House, Nairobi, during a celebratory breakfast with Kenya’s athletics team from the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Ruto said it was time to change how both Kenyans and the world perceive the country.

“We are not meant for the Third World. Kenya’s DNA is not for the Third World. We are in the Third World by mistake and default, and we must correct it,” the President said.

Ruto drew from Kenya’s stellar performance in Tokyo to strengthen his case. Kenya finished second overall out of 198 countries, behind only the United States, winning 11 medals – seven gold, two silver, and two bronze.

“Out of 198 nations of the world, we were the second-best after the United States. That tells you the league we play in, the league of champions. That is where Kenya belongs,” he said.

The Head of State stressed that Kenya’s sporting triumphs should inspire a broader shift in mindset across the nation.

“It is clear that Kenya is not made for the average. We are not fashioned that way. Our DNA as a nation is for excellence,” he said.

He linked this spirit of excellence to Kenya’s broader ambitions of positioning itself as a regional and global leader, not just in sports but also in digital innovation, clean energy, and economic transformation.

While acknowledging the country’s ongoing development challenges, Ruto maintained that Kenya’s talent and potential already show that it can stand among the most advanced nations.

“To those who still doubt that Kenya can stand among the most advanced countries, just look at our athletes. They have already shown the world who we are,” he added.

Emotions ran high at the event as President Ruto fought back tears while addressing Kenya’s athletics team. He admitted that the occasion carried deep personal significance.

“You have to forgive me, this is a very emotional moment, I don’t know why. And I must say congratulations to you people,” he told the medalists.

The President praised the athletes for carrying the Kenyan flag with pride and bringing great honor to the country.

“You carried our flag with pride and brought great honour to Kenya, once again proving that we are a nation of champions. To be the second best in the whole world out of 198 countries is no mean achievement,” said the Head of State.

Ruto commended the team’s discipline and commitment, saying their triumph should inspire Kenyans in every sector.

“This is an achievement we celebrate with pride, but more importantly, one that we must emulate as a nation in every other thing that we do,” he remarked.