Constitutional expert and lawyer Willis Otieno has criticised President William Ruto's Vision 2060 initiative, urging the government to prioritise immediate economic challenges over long-term development plans.
Otieno highlighted that millions of Kenyans are grappling with unemployment and the rising cost of living, making it difficult for them to engage with plans projecting the nation's status decades ahead.
Otieno said:
- "We don’t need Vision 2060 when millions of Kenyans are preoccupied with surviving today."
- "Many families are more focused on affording their next meal than debating the country’s future in 2060."
- "Too many young people are unemployed, businesses are struggling, and households face soaring living expenses."
President Ruto unveiled Vision 2060 during a recent State address, proposing that the blueprint be constitutionally entrenched to ensure continuity regardless of political changes. He cited rapid development models from countries like South Korea and China as inspiration, noting Kenya’s previous comparable status.
However, Otieno challenged the government to first deliver on existing commitments before introducing new visions. He stressed that restoring hope through job creation, reducing living costs, and improving public services should take precedence.
He further accused the administration of using Vision 2060 to divert attention from its performance record, stating:
"We have a President who has failed and is now trying to hide behind a 2060 Vision. Unable to deliver on promises, he wants the country to look beyond his record and focus on a distant future."
Otieno also called for a comprehensive progress report on Vision 2030, noting that with limited time left, Kenyans deserve clarity on the achievements so far.
