NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto’s plan to include his post-2030 long-term development vision (Beyond Vision 2030/Vision 2060) into legislation and the constitution has drawn criticism from Caleb Amisi, leader of the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM Party).
While poking holes in the blueprint, Amisi stated that the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration cannot set the pace for another 34-year agenda without first explaining the comprehensive national scorecard for Vision 2030 to Kenyans.
“What has been achieved? What failed? What remains unfinished? How much has been spent? And what lessons have we learnt? Kenyans deserve answers before another grand political vision is unveiled,” said the PM party leader.
Amisi, who doubles as the Saboti Member of Parliament, also criticised the composition of the leadership behind the initiative, which comprises a government-backed panel of economic experts, county delegates, and political allies.
Caleb Amisi takes a swipe at the initiative’s leadership
The youthful lawmaker urged Kenyans to look at the cabinet that will deliver Vision 2060.
“Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, who is the bearer of the vision. In 2060, Anyang’ Nyong’o will be 115 years old. In 2060, Dr. Oburu Odinga will be 117 years old. Moses Wetang’ula will be 104 years old. Musalia Mudavadi will be clocking 100 years sharp. William Ruto will be 95 years old. And the youngest member of that cabinet will be Professor Kindiki at 89 years old. We must stop joking with Kenyans,” explained Amisi.
President Ruto spearheads the strategic direction and national rollout of the Vision 2060 framework.
The expert advisory panels include a collective of economists and technical specialists guiding long-term key performance indicators (KPIs) like sustained economic growth.
Kenya’s moment of truth in achieving Singapore status
On the other hand, county and national leaders encompass delegates from all 47 counties, intergovernmental committees, and political allies advocating for long-term policy continuity beyond short electoral cycles.
During Wednesday’s event, Prof. Hirouki Hino, who has been tapped by President Ruto to co-chair the initiative alongside the Kisumu governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, noted the bumpy journey for Kenya towards achieving its benchmark Singapore status.
“Reaching Singapore’s level of development in the next 30 to 40 years will be difficult,” lamented Prof. Hino.
In a media interview, Governor Nyong’o, however, said the journey may be rough; little has been achieved under Vision 2030, but that should not be a deterrent to planning for the future.
“It’s a gradual process, but we must have a goal. Where are we going? What are we trying to achieve? What is the end like? Let us be ambitious. Let us be hard-working. Let us be determined that together you can do it,” explained the county boss.
Kenyans continue waiting with bated breath
Meanwhile, MP Amisi, serving his second term in the August House, questioned what he termed ‘leaders continuing to lie to Kenyans’.
“Every given regime comes with a manifesto instead of fulfilling the manifesto. They turn to launching a vision that is beyond their lifetime in this. We see William Ruto borrowing heavily from his counterparts, perennial political dinosaurs who have refused to develop their countries. But they’re hiding behind launching visions that they do not solve very well. They will not be alive, so they are launching visions to escape responsibility for their failed manifesto,” added Amisi.
In the past, there have been several national discussions that ultimately served political objectives. Kenyans will be watching closely to see if this national dialogue succeeds where others have failed.
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