How President Ruto, Uhuru watered down Vision 2030

Kenya's development planning has followed a five-year cycle tradition since gaining independence. The country's Vision 2030, adopted in 2008, aimed for 10% economic growth annually, social equity, and a politically accountable system. These goals were divided into three pillars: economic, social, and political. Despite political shifts, ballooning public debt, and financial mismanagement, the executive defended these changes as strategic alignments.

However, the oversight bodies, Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) and Office of the Controller of Budget (CoB), have highlighted structural systemic issues due to constrained funding and poor execution of projects. Critics argue that former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his successor William Ruto diluted Vision 2030 by transitioning from a technocrat-led blueprint to politically focused manifestos.

This shift resulted in Kenya's manufacturing sector contributing only 7.1-7.2% to GDP in 2025-2026, far from the projected 15% and 30% respectively. Former President Mwai Kibaki's initial goals aimed for a 10% annual GDP growth and industrialization, but the sector's contribution stagnated under both former administrations. In response to this, President Ruto launched the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, distancing himself from Vision 2030's trajectory.

The new Vision 2060, announced by President Ruto, has been met with skepticism due to its lack of constitutional backing and political instability. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi defended the past achievements of Vision 2030, but acknowledged the missed targets, stating that it still directed national development.