Vietnamese energy boss Doanh Chau has stirred controversy in Kenya after accusing President William Ruto of being all talk and no action. Chau, the CEO of Vietnam Gas, met with Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Nairobi. After the meeting, he said Kenya’s main problem isn’t money or lack of talent, but leaders who speak good English without delivering real results.
According to a report by Kenyans.co.ke, Chau said he was struck by how Kenyan leaders talked with excitement about investments, infrastructure, and housing, but lacked any real plan to implement those ideas.
He said their speeches were polished, but nothing meaningful happens afterwards. In his view, Kenya lacks a serious execution culture and this is why the country is not moving forward.
He criticized the government for focusing on short-term gains and PR instead of long-term solutions. Chau said Kenya only seems active when a donor or foreign guest is expected. Beyond that, nothing works. He also pointed out that instead of creating a solid environment for local and international business, leaders just wait for help from outside.
Chau went further and questioned Kenya’s priorities. He mentioned that despite building fancy projects like the Nairobi Expressway, basic services like electricity are still unreliable.
He argued that without fixing the energy system, Kenya will remain unattractive to serious investors. Meanwhile, millions of people still live in slums with no clean water or power.He warned that this problem is not unique to Kenya but is seen across Africa.
He urged African leaders to stop the endless talking and start doing. In his own words, it’s time to “turn off the microphone and turn on the power.”His remarks caused debate online, with many Kenyans agreeing.
Some leaders even supported his views. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said what Kenya needs is a focused team with real vision, not just people who speak well.
President Ruto is known for his persuasive speeches, especially when attracting foreign investors. But Chau’s comments have raised tough questions, if there is no real delivery behind the speeches, what’s the point?
This criticism hits at the core of Ruto’s leadership style heavy on promises but light on results.
Chau’s brutal honesty may sound harsh, but it reflects what many Kenyans already feel. Fancy words and mega projects don’t mean much when ordinary people are still struggling with basics.
Leave feedback about this