NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has announced the start of a nationwide process to develop Kenya’s next long-term development blueprint, saying the country must seize what he described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to transform into a prosperous, industrialised nation after Vision 2030 expires.
In a special national address from State House on Thursday evening, the President said Kenya’s next development plan must go beyond government policies and become a people-driven national charter anchored in the 2010 Constitution.
A new national vision beyond Vision 2030
Ruto said Vision 2030 had guided Kenya’s development agenda for nearly two decades but acknowledged that several of its key targets, including attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030, remain unmet.
Rather than replacing Vision 2030 with another government programme, he said Kenya should create a long-term national development charter that reflects citizens’ aspirations and remains relevant beyond changing political administrations.
Kenya missed previous global economic opportunities
The President reflected on Kenya’s economic history, arguing that the country failed to fully benefit from three major waves of global industrialisation.
He compared Kenya’s economic trajectory with countries such as South Korea, China, Vietnam and Bangladesh, noting that while Kenya once enjoyed similar or even higher income levels than some of these nations, they have since overtaken it through sustained reforms, industrialisation and export-led growth.
He also pointed out that Ghana and Zimbabwe now record higher GDP per capita than Kenya, saying the country must honestly examine why it repeatedly fell behind despite its potential.
Government claims economy has stabilised
Ruto argued that Kenya is now better positioned to think long-term because his administration has restored macroeconomic stability.
Among the achievements he highlighted were:
- Stabilisation of the Kenyan shilling.
- Foreign exchange reserves exceeding US$15 billion.
- Lower inflation.
- Reduced borrowing costs.
- Increased investor confidence.
- Record foreign direct investment of US$3.2 billion last year.
- Kenya being ranked Africa’s most competitive economy in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking.
He said these developments provide the foundation for planning Kenya’s next phase of growth.
National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund
The President also defended the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, saying they are designed to finance strategic infrastructure, preserve national wealth and ensure prosperity benefits future generations.
According to Ruto, these institutions are intended to outlive individual governments and support sustainable economic development.
Africa’s moment has arrived
A major theme of the speech was Ruto’s belief that Africa will drive the next global economic transformation.
He said the continent’s youthful population, abundant natural resources, renewable energy potential, expanding markets and growing economies place it at the centre of future global investment.
Ruto argued that Kenya has an opportunity not merely to participate in Africa’s rise but to lead it.
Constitution should guide development
Beyond economics, the President framed development as a constitutional obligation rather than simply a government policy.
He cited provisions of the Constitution guaranteeing healthcare, housing, education, food security, water, sanitation and social protection, arguing that Kenya must now define measurable standards for achieving these rights.
He said the proposed national development charter should translate constitutional ideals into practical development outcomes that improve citizens’ lives.
Citizens, not politicians, should shape Kenya’s future
Ruto repeatedly stressed that politicians alone should not determine Kenya’s long-term direction.
He called for participation from farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, professionals, faith leaders, universities, civil society, innovators and young people to collectively define the country’s future.
According to the President, once Kenyans agree on a shared national destination, political competition should focus on who has the best policies to achieve it rather than disagreements over the country’s long-term goals.
Experts already consulted
The President revealed that over recent months he has consulted former and current leaders, business executives, scholars, professionals, civil society organisations and youth representatives.
He also disclosed that he commissioned a team led by Professor Hiroyuki Hino and Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o to examine Kenya’s future beyond Vision 2030.
Their recommendations, he said, conclude that Kenya can become a prosperous, high-income and globally competitive industrialised nation within one generation if it remains united and committed to long-term reforms.
National conversation begins August 12
The President announced that a formal National Conversation on Kenya’s Future Beyond Vision 2030 will begin on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
The process will involve all 47 counties and bring together political leaders, the private sector, workers’ organisations, universities, professional associations, faith groups, civil society, creatives and young people in what he described as the country’s most significant public participation exercise since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
Ruto concluded by urging Kenyans to look beyond politics and focus on building a shared national future.
He said while the generation that came before delivered the Constitution, the responsibility of the current generation is to build a nation worthy of it by securing lasting prosperity, strengthening institutions and creating opportunities for future generations.
