Critics question timing, motive of Ruto’s vision plan

President William Ruto’s push to develop a new long-term national development blueprint has triggered a political storm, with critics questioning its timing, rationale and the Government’s record in implementing Vision 2030.

The controversy follows the launch of the National Conversation on Kenya’s Future Beyond Vision 2030, which seeks to engage Kenyans in defining the country’s development priorities after the expiry of the current blueprint.

The initiative has been defended by Kenya Kwanza leaders as an attempt to plan beyond electoral cycles and ensure that successive administrations work towards a common national objective.

But opponents argue that the Government should first account for what happened to Vision 2030 before embarking on another ambitious promise.

Wiper Patriotic Front vice chairman and Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior questioned the wisdom of looking so far ahead when millions of Kenyans are struggling with immediate economic hardships.

“We don't need Vision 2060. The majority of Kenyans don't know what they will eat tomorrow, and many young people have lost hope. We cannot be talking about Vision 2060 under these circumstances,” Mr Kilonzo said.