Principal Secretary for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, has endorsed President William Ruto’s initiative to engage Kenyans in crafting the country’s long-term development strategy following Vision 2030.
In a statement shared on her X account on July 31, 2026, Bashir described the move as a critical and timely effort that will influence Kenya’s future growth path. She emphasized the importance of a shared national vision aimed at transforming Kenya into an industrialized, globally competitive, and prosperous nation.
Cultural Identity at the Heart of Development
Bashir highlighted the integral role of culture and the creative arts in the national conversation. She noted that a strong national identity and common values such as patriotism, unity, rule of law, inclusivity, and tolerance are essential foundations for sustainable development.
“Culture and arts play a vital role in this national conversation. Who we are as a people defines where we are going as a nation,” she said, underlining that these principles form the fabric of a society capable of shared prosperity.
Inclusive, People-Centered Approach
The Principal Secretary called on citizens from all walks of life to actively participate in shaping the next development framework, stressing that the outcome should be a national consensus rather than a mere government document.
“This is not a conversation to produce another government document; it is a national consensus about the future for Kenya that is not decided by the politicians alone, but rather by the people,” Bashir stated.
The government is preparing to launch consultations to develop a successor to Vision 2030, Kenya’s flagship development plan initiated in 2008. The new blueprint will set the country’s economic, social, and governance priorities for the years ahead, with public engagement playing a central role.
