Vietnam Gas President Doahn Chau has alleged that Kenya's President William Ruto is all talk and no show.
In a statement after meeting President Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the CEO diagnosed Kenya's biggest problem for underdevelopment as leaders who speak 'big and polished English' but do not execute what they say.
He further alleged that President Ruto and Kenyan leaders have misplaced priorities, an issue that will see Kenya stagnate for years if not resolved.
"I met with PCS Musalia Mudavadi and President Ruto in Nairobi. They spoke with energy about Kenya’s future — investment, infrastructure, public housing. But behind the polished language was a painful truth: there is no serious execution culture," read part of the statement.
"Kenya’s real problem is not a lack of money or talent. It’s the absence of long-term vision and the dominance of short-term gain. Leaders talk big, but systems don’t move. They wait for outsiders to bring business rather than build an environment for it," Chau continued.
Comparing Kenya to Vietnam, the CEO noted that while Kenya has the talent and financial resources needed for development, it lacks a long-term execution plan. He claimed that the country only performs when preparing for the next donor visit or summit.
He also criticised Kenya’s electricity system, arguing that if the country fixed its energy infrastructure, it would attract more investors and create a conducive environment for growth.
"In Kenya, the basic energy supply is unstable. And yet, the government built a fancy expressway from Nairobi to Mombasa — without an export industry to support it. Meanwhile, millions live in slums and huts, with no access to reliable utilities," he stated.
According to Chau, the problem extends beyond Kenya and is common across Africa. He urged the continent to change its approach if it wants meaningful progress, stating that it must "turn off the microphone — and turn on the power."
The CEO’s sentiments sparked a heated debate in Kenya, with several leaders and citizens expressing their support.
Reacting to the statement, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi said Kenya needs a dedicated team of leaders with a clear vision, charisma, focus, enthusiasm, and smarts to be Africa's finest economically.
President Ruto is famous for his command of oration, with persuasive language and a sweet tongue that has convinced investors to flood the Kenyan market, but President Chao now asks, at what cost?
The CEO had met Ruto, who has been actively engaging in transformative energy dialogues, including ambitious plans for Kenya's green energy transition.
