Beyond Vision 2030: Ruto Seeks to Shape Kenya's Next National Vision

NAIROBI, Aug. 1 – Kenyan President William Ruto announced the launch of nationwide consultations to formulate the country's long-term development strategy beyond Vision 2030, describing the initiative as a national agenda that should transcend politics and successive governments.

In a nationally televised address, Ruto said the consultations would begin on Aug. 12 and would bring together Kenyans from across society to shape the country's next phase of economic and social development.

"This will be a national agenda owned by the people of Kenya, not a political project or the agenda of any one administration," Ruto said.

The president said a team of experts, including Prof. Hiroyuki Hino and Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, had examined Kenya's prospects after the expiry of the Vision 2030 blueprint and produced recommendations for the country's long-term future.

According to Ruto, the experts concluded that Kenya could become a prosperous, industrialized and globally competitive economy within a generation if the proposed reforms are implemented.

He stressed, however, that the final strategy would be determined through public consultation rather than being adopted solely based on expert recommendations.

Ruto said the consultation process would involve political leaders, academics, business representatives, religious leaders, civil society organizations and young people, while also drawing on international experience in gathering public input.

Kenya's Vision 2030, launched in 2008, serves as the country's long-term development blueprint aimed at transforming it into a newly industrializing, middle-income economy through investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, education and governance. The new consultations are intended to define the country's development priorities beyond that framework.

GAROWE ONLINE