By:Robert Mutasi
The government has officially launched a national conversation on Kenya’s long-term development goals beyond Vision 2030, setting the stage for the country’s next development blueprint after the expiry of the current framework in 2027.
President William Ruto on Tuesday presided over the launch of The National Conversation: Beyond Vision 2030 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, an event that brought together national and county leaders, private sector, civil society and development partners.
In his address, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, who was among the key speakers, said the forum marks the beginning of a collective effort to define Kenya’s future for the next few decades.
“We are here to begin a national conversation on Kenya’s development goals for the next few decades. Collectively here and in all parts of this country in the days to come we want to build for the future. To build for the future we must have a clear view of the future that we desire and commit ourselves to building it. Block by block until we achieve it,” Nyong’o said.
He noted that many Kenyans may be questioning why the conversation is necessary at this time, but explained that there are compelling reasons to start planning early.
According to Prof. Nyong’o, Kenya has been guided by Vision 2030 as its long-term development plan since 2008, implemented through successive five-year Medium Term Plans. The current Fourth Medium Term Plan, covering the period 2023 to 2027, remains anchored on Vision 2030.
“But what happens after 2027? This is where the mid-term, medium-term plans becomes important. If Kenya simply develops another five year plan without first agreeing on the country’s long term destination beyond 2030, our planning process risks becoming another cycle of programs and projects without a sufficiently clear national direction,” he warned.
The governor emphasized that without a shared long-term vision, Kenya risks losing its strategic direction and implementing fragmented projects that do not add up to national transformation.
The Beyond Vision 2030 conversation seeks to build consensus on Kenya’s aspirations in areas such as economic transformation, social equity, climate resilience, governance, technology, and job creation for the youth.
President Ruto is expected to outline his administration’s vision for the post-2030 era, with a focus on continuity, inclusivity and sustainability.
The government says public participation will be conducted across all 47 counties to ensure the new long-term blueprint reflects the aspirations of all Kenyans, in line with the constitutional principle of public participation.
Vision 2030, launched during the Mwai Kibaki administration, aimed to transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens. While significant progress has been made in infrastructure, devolution, education and health, challenges remain in unemployment, inequality and climate change.
The new conversation is therefore seen as critical in defining what comes next and ensuring Kenya remains competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
