Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o has urged Kenyans not to link the ongoing conversation on Vision 2060 to the 2027 General Election, saying long-term national development goals must transcend political and electoral cycles.
Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday during the launch of the National Conversation: Beyond 2030, Prof Nyong’o said Kenya should learn from countries that have achieved significant socio-economic transformation by maintaining development programmes beyond changes in political leadership.
“This conversation is not about the next general elections indeed one of the lessons that Kenya must learn from the countries that achieved socio-economic transformation in recent history in Asia for example is that long-term development goals must not be disrupted by electoral cycles and the political leadership that such elections bring up from time to time,” said Prof. Nyong’o.
The Kisumu Governor also clarified that the team mandated to help design Vision 2060 does not have a predetermined plan, but only guidelines on how the process should be undertaken.
“This meeting is therefore the first step in a journey that must not be rushed,” he said.
Prof. Nyong’o called on Kenyans to actively participate in the national conversation and approach the process with a clear focus on developing a long-term plan for the country.
He said the consultations should help build consensus on how Kenya can achieve its development aspirations and promote shared prosperity.
“Let us give ourselves reasonable time to have an inclusive conversation among Kenyans regarding the future of our nation,” he added.
The remarks come as the government begins consultations on a proposed long-term development framework expected to guide Kenya beyond Vision 2030.
In a special address to the nation last month, President Ruto reaffirmed that the process would be inclusive, transparent and citizen-led, arguing that a national vision cannot be developed by the government alone.
