President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce a law that will entrench Kenya's long-term development agenda, arguing that the country's future should not be dictated by politics or election cycles.
Speaking during a church service at ACK St. Stephen's Chepkoilel Church in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday, August 2, Ruto said the proposed legislation would compel future administrations to pursue a shared national development agenda.
"That is the conversation we will have as a nation. It will not be about leaders or political parties, but about the future of our country and how we can collectively drive that vision. We will also introduce legislation to ensure Kenya's development is planned and guided by law," Ruto said.
The President explained that the planned national dialogue on Kenya's future would centre on the country's long-term development priorities instead of political rivalries or the 2027 General Election.
"We are going to discuss the future of our nation. The Constitution envisages a country based on the rule of law, that believes in human rights and a healthy nation.
"Article 43 speaks about decent housing, high standards of health and quality education. The Constitution talks about a country whose development is sustainable," Ruto said.
Ruto observed that Vision 2030 was formulated before the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, saying Kenya's next long-term development blueprint should be aligned with the current constitutional order.
He maintained that although the country has implemented constitutional provisions relating to governance, elections, political parties and human rights, attention should now shift to the Constitution's development agenda.
"The Vision 2030 that we have was prepared before the referendum. We now have a new Constitution. We have operationalised all chapters of our Constitution, including laws on political parties, elections and human rights. It is now time to operationalise the chapter on development.
"This is why I said it cannot be done in secret. Residents themselves will come and tell us how they want development to happen in line with the Constitution," he said.
The Head of State also brushed aside criticism over the timing of the proposal, insisting that planning for Kenya's future should not be delayed because of the election cycle.
Ruto first announced the initiative during his special national address on Thursday, July 30, where he unveiled plans for a national conversation on Kenya's future beyond Vision 2030.
The process is set to culminate in the official launch of the National Conversation on Kenya's Future Beyond Vision 2030 on August 12, bringing together government, private sector players, experts, civil society and members of the public to formulate the country's next long-term development blueprint.
