By MUGO WAWERU
President William Ruto has signalled the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya’s long-term development agenda, unveiling plans to chart a fresh national vision beyond Vision 2030 as he renewed his ambition of transforming the country into a globally competitive, first-world economy comparable to Singapore.
Receiving a report on proposals for Kenya’s next long-term development blueprint at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, President Ruto said the country stands at a critical crossroads that demands bold thinking, visionary leadership and deliberate policy choices capable of securing prosperity for generations to come.
The report, prepared by a team of leading Kenyan and international scholars led by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o alongside Professors Hiroyuki Hino, Michael Chege, Karuti Kanyinga and Peter Wanyande, is expected to provide the foundation for the successor to Vision 2030—the country’s development blueprint that has guided economic planning since its launch in 2008.
Describing the document as a timely contribution to Kenya’s future, President Ruto said the report goes beyond offering solutions by provoking a deeper national conversation about the direction the country should take over the coming decades.
“This proposal is a thoughtful and valuable contribution to an important national conversation,” the President said.
“Its value lies not in providing every answer, but in asking important questions, challenging our assumptions, broadening our thinking and enriching our reflection on the choices that will shape Kenya’s future.”
For President Ruto, the conversation is closely aligned with a vision he has repeatedly articulated since assuming office in 2022—to transform Kenya from a lower-middle-income economy into a highly industrialised, innovation-driven and globally competitive nation comparable to Singapore and other successful Asian economies.
On several occasions, the President has cited Singapore as an example of how visionary leadership, disciplined public institutions, strategic infrastructure investments, quality education and export-oriented industrialisation can rapidly transform a country’s fortunes despite limited natural resources.
Government officials say the next national development blueprint is expected to build on these principles by prioritising economic competitiveness, manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, technology, human capital development and efficient public institutions.
President Ruto said many of the proposals contained in the scholars’ report resonate with reforms already being undertaken by his administration.
Among them are the planned National Infrastructure Fund and the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund, institutions the government believes will mobilise long-term investment capital to finance transformative infrastructure and strategic national projects without placing excessive pressure on taxpayers.
“These institutions form part of a broader strategy that is already guiding Kenya’s long-term transformation into a competitive first-world country,” the President said.
The proposed National Infrastructure Fund is expected to support investments in roads, railways, ports, airports, affordable housing, industrial parks, energy and digital infrastructure, all of which the government considers critical ingredients for sustained economic growth.
The Sovereign Wealth Fund, meanwhile, is intended to preserve strategic national assets while generating long-term investments that future generations can benefit from.
The report comes as Vision 2030 approaches its final phase.
Launched during former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration in 2008, Vision 2030 sought to transform Kenya into “a newly industrialising, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens.”
The blueprint focused on three pillars—economic, social and political transformation—and gave rise to flagship projects including the Standard Gauge Railway, Konza Technopolis, expansion of the road network, Lamu Port, geothermal energy development and improvements in digital connectivity.
While acknowledging the gains made under Vision 2030, the Ruto administration believes Kenya now requires a more ambitious development framework that reflects emerging global economic realities, rapid technological changes, climate challenges and demographic shifts.
President Ruto said his government will subject the report to extensive public participation before adopting any recommendations.
“We shall engage with the recommendations, consult widely, and reflect on the ideas it advances. Once that process has been concluded, we shall communicate the way forward as we shape Kenya’s next long-term national vision,” he said.
A central pillar of the President’s vision is investment in education and skills development.
He argued that no country can attain first-world status without producing a highly educated, innovative and productive workforce capable of driving industrial growth and technological advancement.
To achieve this, he said the government continues to reform the education sector to align it with labour market demands while expanding access to universities and technical training institutions.
The President disclosed that Parliament is considering amendments to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Act that would fundamentally change university financing.
“Any student, as long as they have passed examinations and secured placement in a college or university, will receive full funding,” he said.
He noted that countries that have successfully transformed their economies invested heavily in accessible, high-quality education, arguing that Kenya must follow a similar path if it hopes to compete globally.
Beyond education, President Ruto said Kenya requires focused, visionary and accountable leadership capable of making difficult but necessary decisions.
He pledged to personally champion the country’s transformation agenda rather than leave it to future administrations.
“Kenya requires focused collective leadership with a vision to lead it into the ranks of first-world economies within the shortest time possible.”
“I will lead from the front as much as is practically possible. I will not try to hide behind excuses of any sort,” he said.
The President also defended his administration’s economic record, saying the economy has registered steady recovery over the past three years despite inheriting high debt levels, inflationary pressures and global economic disruptions.
He cited improved macroeconomic indicators, declining inflation, stabilisation of the exchange rate, increased agricultural production and renewed investor confidence as evidence that the economy is on a stronger footing.
Among the indicators he highlighted was the performance of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), which he said had emerged as the fourth best-performing stock market globally during the first half of 2026.
According to the President, the achievement demonstrates growing confidence among both domestic and international investors in Kenya’s economic prospects.
He maintained that preserving economic stability would require continued adherence to the rule of law and protection of public and private investments.
The President warned that insecurity, political violence and destruction of property could reverse hard-won economic gains if left unchecked.
“There can be no defence for breaking the law. Our security agencies must do their job within the law. That’s how we secure Kenya’s future,” he said.
The event brought together senior government officials, academics, labour leaders and captains of industry, reflecting what the government described as a whole-of-society approach to designing Kenya’s next development vision.
Among those present were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and East African Community Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul.
Others included Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, Supreme Court Judge Smokin Wanjala, Presidential Council of Economic Advisors Chair David Ndii, principal secretaries, Members of Parliament and representatives from labour, industry and professional organisations.
Also addressing the gathering were Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, representing workers, industrialist Jaswinder Singh Bedi on behalf of the private sector, and former Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina representing professional bodies.
As Kenya prepares to replace Vision 2030, the report received by President Ruto is expected to spark a nationwide debate on the country’s economic future and whether the reforms currently underway can propel the nation towards the President’s long-held ambition of building a prosperous, industrialised and globally competitive economy modelled on the success stories of countries such as Singapore.
