Beyond 2030: Oburu says Kenya must fight corruption to achieve Singapore dream

The ODM leader, Oburu Odinga, addressed the Beyond 2030 dialogue at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, emphasizing Kenya's potential to match Singapore's economic progress by tackling corruption and reducing wastage in government. He pointed out that Kenya and Singapore were at similar development levels when both countries gained independence in the 1960s, with comparable income per capita, GDP, and development growth.

However, Singapore has since made significant economic advancements, with higher per capita incomes. Oburu recalled that discussions of Singapore's transformation often arose during the drafting of election manifestos within the ODM party, particularly in light of his late brother Raila Odinga's frequent questions about what Singapore did differently.

Professor Hiroyuki Hino, a former adviser to Raila during his Prime Minister tenure, highlighted the gap that has since emerged between the two nations. Oburu stressed that Kenya could bridge this gap by confronting corruption, stating that although eliminating corruption is challenging, building a society that does not tolerate it is possible.

He urged government officials to tighten their belts and reduce unnecessary spending to ensure public resources are used efficiently.