President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to engage in a comprehensive national dialogue to formulate a new development charter that will steer Kenya’s progress beyond the Vision 2030 framework.

In a special State of the Nation address, Ruto emphasized that the next development agenda must transcend political interests and electoral cycles, aligning closely with the 2010 Constitution and the country’s long-term aspirations.

Reflecting on Vision 2030’s Legacy

The president acknowledged that while Vision 2030 has significantly shaped Kenya’s development priorities over the past two decades—guiding policy, attracting investments, and providing national direction—some targets, such as achieving upper-middle-income status, remain unmet.

“Vision 2030 has brought us this far but is nearing its horizon. It served Kenya well by transforming our approach to national development,” Ruto stated, adding that the unfulfilled goals should be viewed as opportunities to learn and set more ambitious objectives.

Kenya’s Economic Position and Regional Comparisons

Ruto highlighted Kenya’s economic journey since independence, comparing its progress to countries like South Korea and China, which have experienced rapid growth and industrial transformation within a generation.

He pointed out that in 1965, Kenya and South Korea had similar GDP per capita, but today South Korea’s stands at over $36,000 compared to Kenya’s $2,400. He challenged Kenyans to critically assess why Kenya has not fully capitalized on global economic shifts as others have.

Foundations for a New Development Phase

  • Restored macroeconomic stability, including a stronger currency and rebuilt foreign reserves
  • Improved investor confidence, with a record $3.2 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025
  • Ranking as Africa’s most competitive economy in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking
  • Institutional frameworks such as the National Infrastructure Fund and a sovereign wealth fund

Ruto described these as critical foundations enabling Kenya to embark on a new phase of economic transformation.

Looking Ahead to Africa’s Economic Potential

The president expressed optimism about Africa’s emerging role in the global economy, citing the continent’s growing population, renewable energy resources, agricultural capacity, and increasing global investment interest.

“Nine of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa, and by 2050, one in every four people on Earth will be African,” he noted, urging Kenyans to seize this historic opportunity.

Call for Unity and Long-Term Vision

Ruto urged the nation to rise above short-term political and economic pressures and collectively define a development path that will deliver lasting prosperity beyond individual administrations.

“We can, we must, and we shall, together, get it right this time round,” he concluded, underlining the importance of inclusive participation in shaping Kenya’s future.