The President of MED21, an AI medicine company, Doanh Chau, has challenged President William Ruto’s investment pitch at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), questioning whether international speeches can translate into increased investment in Kenya.
In remarks shared on September 25, Chau acknowledged the strength of Ruto’s message to the international audience but said investors would ultimately assess the conditions they encounter when they move beyond conference halls and consider committing capital.
The MED21 President raised questions about the reliability of electricity, road infrastructure, contract enforcement, procurement transparency, and confidence in institutions.
“Yes, the message is powerful. Powerful enough to tell the international audience: Kenya is ready; please invest more. But investors eventually leave the conference hall and start asking less glamorous questions: Is the electricity reliable? Africa does not lack speeches. Africa does not even lack capital looking for opportunities. It lacks enough bankable projects, reliable institutions and accountable execution to turn that capital into development” he asked.
Doanh Chau Challenges Ruto’s Call for More Investment in Kenya
He questioned whether a speech delivered in New York could address challenges facing businesses and investors on the ground, particularly where infrastructure and governance concerns persist.
Doanh Chau argued that Africa’s challenge was not simply a lack of capital, saying the continent needed more bankable projects, reliable institutions and accountable execution to turn available capital into development.
His remarks came as Ruto used his UNGA engagements to promote Africa as an investment destination and call for increased capital flows into the continent.
Doanh Chau’s comments have since attracted attention online, with Kenyans expressing divergent views over his assessment of Ruto’s investment pitch.
Some users defended the President, arguing that he should be given time to deliver on his promises, while others questioned Chau’s own investment and contribution to Kenya.
A user, Ronny Mbani, defended Ruto, arguing that the President should be given time to deliver on his promises.
“If he builds shiny things, you complain. If he delivers a shiny speech, you complain again. What exactly do you want, bwana? Give the man time to deliver,” he said.
While Edmond Boto said, We elected an orator who can eloquently tell stories and question why Africa does not have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, yet when confronted with the reality that corruption is one of Africa’s biggest challenges, he retreats into empty rhetoric instead of addressing the problem.”
Also Read: Ruto Full Speech at UNGA 2026 in New York: Complete Text
What Did Ruto Say At UNGA?
President William Ruto used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly to argue for greater investment and economic cooperation, linking global development to stronger multilateral institutions.
He argued that the international system must do more to advance the economic and social wellbeing of people across the world.
Ruto said peace and prosperity were interconnected, warning that conflicts disrupt supply chains and increase the cost of food, fuel and other essential goods.
Also Read: What Ruto Secured at UNGA as Kenya Lands New AI, Energy and Trade Partnerships
He maintained that countries need a stable global environment to support economic growth and development.
Additionally, the President also pointed to the role of international cooperation in addressing challenges that affect developing economies.
Ruto argued that the current global order contains structural inequalities that limit the ability of some countries to benefit equally from international systems.
He called for reforms to multilateral institutions to make them more representative and responsive to the interests of developing countries.
The President also linked stronger international cooperation to efforts to unlock economic opportunities and improve living standards.
The President’s investment appeal comes as Kenya seeks to attract financing for development, infrastructure, technology and other sectors of the economy.
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