Advocate of the High Court Titus Makhanu has questioned the rationale for developing a new long-term national development framework, arguing that Kenya should first assess and complete the objectives of Vision 2030.
Speaking during a Radio Generation interview on Monday, Makhanu stressed the government should concentrate on basic services, public debt, corruption and adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law before embarking on another ambitious development blueprint.
“In recent days, I have seen that this government, under the leadership of the President, has now launched, or they are focusing on now launching something else called the Vision 2060, and it is a replica of what is contained in Vision 2030,” Makhanu said.
He questioned why Kenya was preparing another long-term plan when he argued that the country still had unfinished business under Vision 2030.
“It is so sad that we are struggling with launching another long-term plan. Yet if we go back to the basics, for example, just ensure that things like healthcare and the health sector are working. Make sure that education is working by ensuring that you put in a funding model that sustains every student and every school-going child in this country.”
Kenya Vision 2030 was launched on June 10, 2008, by President Mwai Kibaki, with then Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as the country’s long-term development blueprint.
It was developed through broad consultations beginning in 2006 to transform Kenya into a globally competitive, newly industrialising middle-income country by 2030, while improving citizens’ quality of life.
Moving forward, the High Court advocate also called for greater scrutiny of government finances, particularly Kenya’s public debt and the use of tax revenues.
He urged authorities to ensure that public funds are properly accounted for and protected from misuse, while calling for an audit of the country’s debt. He said Kenyans also needed greater transparency over public finances and stronger accountability in government borrowing.
Makhanu further criticised what he described as widespread disregard for court orders and constitutional requirements, saying adherence to the rule of law should form part of the government’s priorities.
He cited court directions concerning police conduct during demonstrations, including requirements for officers to identify themselves and avoid wearing masks or balaclavas.
According to Makhanu, corruption, rising debt and weak compliance with the law have contributed to the difficult economic conditions facing Kenyans.
“If we go back to the basics, we really don't need to launch Vision 2060. We just need to ensure that Vision 2030 is fully achieved, which actually has been achieved to some extent,” he said.
Makhanu acknowledged that Vision 2030 had delivered some major projects, citing the Standard Gauge Railway and Thika Superhighway among initiatives associated with the development blueprint.
The debate over a successor to Vision 2030 intensified in July after President William Ruto received proposals on Kenya’s long-term development beyond 2030.
The report, prepared by a team led by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and scholars including Hiroyuki Hino, Michael Chege, Karuti Kanyinga and Peter Wanyande, was presented to Ruto at State House on July 21, 2026.
Ruto said the proposals should inform a national conversation on Kenya’s future, describing them as a contribution to determining the country’s long-term transformation.
He has since called for nationwide public consultations, scheduled to begin on August 12, 2026, involving political leaders, professionals, faith groups, academia, civil society, businesses and young people.
The President has argued that Vision 2030 is approaching its conclusion and that Kenya needs a fresh development charter capable of guiding the country beyond the existing framework.
He also linked the proposed successor plan to long-term investments and institutions such as the National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund.
At the July 21 State House event, Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli backed Ruto’s long-term development approach, describing it as focused on Kenya’s prosperity beyond short-term political considerations.
Ruto has urged political, business, professional, civil society and religious leaders to support a shared national vision, arguing that leadership will be central to determining whether Kenya achieves its long-term ambitions.
Makhanu, however, said any decision to extend, replace or succeed Vision 2030 should be based on a formal assessment by the structures responsible for implementing the existing blueprint.
The Advocate further questioned whether the Vision 2030 implementation structures had formally recommended an extension or successor framework, saying he had not seen a published report supporting such a recommendation.
Makhanu concluded that Kenyans should therefore use the upcoming public participation process to scrutinise the proposed successor plan and determine whether it addresses the country’s most pressing needs.