UASIN GISHU, Kenya — President William Ruto has defended the proposed Vision 2060 national dialogue, insisting it is a long-term development agenda aimed at shaping Kenya’s future and should not be viewed through the lens of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a church service at ACK St. Stephen’s Chepkoilel in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday, Ruto accused sections of the opposition of politicising an initiative he said is intended to provide a long-term development blueprint for the country.
“It is not a conversation about 2027; it is about the future, and we are going to put it into law,” the President said.
Ruto said the proposed dialogue seeks to bring together Kenyans from different sectors to define the country’s long-term development priorities, drawing parallels with Vision 2030, which was launched during former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
“Last week I said we have an opportunity to have a conversation to plan for the country. Mwai Kibaki planned Vision 2030. We must have a vision, and we have enough reasons to have that discussion,” he said.
The President urged both leaders and citizens to actively participate in the consultations, saying Kenya must formulate a shared vision capable of transforming the country into a prosperous nation.
“We cannot be a country where the majority live in poverty. We must make sure Kenya becomes a wealthy and prosperous nation,” he said.
Ruto also defended key Kenya Kwanza administration programmes, including the Affordable Housing Programme and Universal Health Coverage, arguing that they are designed to improve the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.
“There are leaders who have problems with me because I want to build affordable houses to get people out of slums and provide universal health coverage. The Constitution does not envisage a poor country,” he said.
The Head of State announced that nationwide public consultations on Vision 2060 will begin on August 12, saying every Kenyan will have an opportunity to contribute ideas toward the country’s long-term development framework.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen backed the initiative, dismissing criticism from some political leaders who have rejected the proposed dialogue.
“I have some leaders saying they will not attend the talks. Who told them it is all about them? The vision is about the future,” Murkomen said.
In Nairobi, Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor also encouraged Kenyans to participate in the consultations, arguing that every generation has a responsibility to shape the country’s future development agenda.
However, the proposal has faced criticism from opposition leaders, who question the timing and necessity of introducing a new long-term blueprint before fully implementing Vision 2030.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has argued that the government should first deliver on the commitments contained in Vision 2030 before launching another national development agenda.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has similarly urged the government to focus on immediate governance and economic challenges, including the high cost of living, unemployment, healthcare financing and taxation, rather than initiating a new long-term vision.
