Ruto Unveils Kenya's Vision 2060 Plan as National Consultations Begin

President William Ruto has announced a national consultation to develop a new long-term development framework for Kenya beyond Vision 2030, with discussions set to begin on 12 August and shape a National Development Charter extending to 2060.

The President said the process aims to create a shared national vision that continues beyond changes in government and is rooted in the Constitution. Unlike previous development plans prepared mainly by government, the proposed charter is intended to reflect the views of a wide range of stakeholders. 

Political parties, county governments, universities, business leaders, faith organisations, civil society, professional bodies, workers' organisations, innovators and young people are expected to take part in the consultations. The proposal follows recommendations from a group of scholars and public policy experts, including Japanese political scientist Hiroyuki Hino, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang' Nyong'o, and University of Nairobi academics Prof Michael Chege, Prof Karuti Kanyinga and Prof Peter Wanyande. 

The government says their contribution supports the case for a long-term national framework that can guide development across successive administrations. The initiative builds on Kenya's experience with Vision 2030, which was introduced by President Mwai Kibaki's administration in 2008 to provide a long-term development strategy beyond the country's electoral cycle. 

The government argues that changes in the global economy, advances in technology and the 2010 Constitution make it necessary to prepare a new framework that reflects current national priorities. Prof Nyong'o said the proposal continues earlier efforts to establish a lasting national development strategy. 

He noted that similar plans were prepared in the 1980s by the Ministry of National Planning and Regional Development with support from Canada but were not implemented because of economic difficulties. He also referred to his time as Minister for Planning and National Development under President Kibaki, saying that strong political commitment and effective policy helped increase Kenya's GDP growth from about three per cent to around eight per cent by 2007.

State House said the proposed charter will complement rather than replace Vision 2030 or the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said BETA remains the government's long-term policy framework and continues to guide current programmes. He said recent reforms, including the creation of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, have strengthened the country's long-term development agenda.

Mohamed said the consultations beginning in August mark the start of a public engagement process rather than the launch of a completed policy. He said the 2010 Constitution provides an opportunity to develop a long-term plan with broad public participation and national ownership. He added that agreement on long-term development goals could allow future political competition to focus on how those goals should be achieved instead of repeatedly changing national priorities.

The government also argues that Kenya should prepare for changing economic conditions across Africa. Officials point to the continent's young population, growing consumer markets, renewable energy resources, strategic minerals and opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area as reasons to adopt a long-term approach to development.

Opposition leaders, however, questioned whether a new development plan addresses the country's immediate challenges. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the government should first deal with the rising cost of living and growing public debt before promoting plans that extend to 2060.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga also criticised the proposal, saying the President's State of the Nation Address did not adequately address corruption. He argued that reducing corruption would have a greater impact on national development by ensuring public resources are used effectively.

Other opposition figures said the main issue is implementation rather than planning. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said constitutional values such as democracy, human rights, equality, the rule of law and social justice should remain central to development. Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang'i said the government should first implement recommendations from the National Dialogue Committee. 

Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi called for accountability over the implementation of BETA, while ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire said corruption remains the country's biggest obstacle to sustainable development. Kenya Kwanza leaders defended the proposal, saying long-term planning is necessary for sustained growth. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the initiative could help secure the country's future, while Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said successful economies rely on consistent long-term strategies instead of changing direction after every election. Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda said the government had already established a foundation through investment in infrastructure, electricity and healthcare. 

UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar accused critics of turning a national development initiative into a political issue.