The conversation about unveiling a new national economic blueprint has generated considerable interest and mixed reactions. Many ordinary Kenyans have heard of the current Vision 2030 but are unsure of its impact since its inception.
Such broad guidelines enable the mobilisation of resources for development. The scepticism in some quarters notwithstanding, analysts say that Vision 2030 has achieved an overall implementation of 66 per cent since its launch in 2008.
However, while it has modernised transport and digital infrastructure, it has fallen short of the aggressive 10 per cent annual growth in the GDP and upper-middle-income targets, thus hampering job creation. The high public debt and economic shocks have left many citizens feeling there has been little improvement. This, indeed, explains the need for new long-term strategies.
It is also a reminder of the need for greater awareness and public participation for the people to appreciate the achievements made. There is, however, visible infrastructural development in the flagship projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, the Nairobi Expressway, and the expansion of Mombasa Port and dual carriageways across the country. Digital successes include the national fibre-optic connectivity.
An audit of Vision 2030 is what this new conversation is all about. Board chairperson Emmanuel Nzai says the blueprint has helped to transform the country despite missed growth targets. The next phase is to transform the country into a globally competitive and prosperous nation. President William Ruto wants Kenyans to determine where the country should go next. This was his message at the launch in Nairobi on Wednesday of the National Conversation on Kenya’s Future Beyond Vision 2030. He has called for a new long-term blueprint anchored on the aspirations of the citizens and shielded from the pressures of electoral politics.
As one of the experts has warned, Kenya should not necessarily copy Singapore, but should improve education, support poor households, strengthen small informal enterprises and fight corruption. This should be the core of the conversation that should be intensified.
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