Kenya can attain developed, First World status if it undertakes deep structural reforms anchored on productivity, governance, and industrial transformation, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has said.
In a statement outlining the country’s long-term development vision, Koskei said Kenya’s transition from a developing economy would require more than wealth accumulation, arguing that sustained productivity and value creation must sit at the centre of national policy.
“The path to the ‘First World’ is not just about wealth, but about productivity,” Koskei said.
“Kenya must transform from an economy that consumes finished goods and exports raw materials to one that creates high-value products and services.”
He noted that the government’s development strategy, packaged under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), is already laying the groundwork for this shift, particularly through industrialisation, governance reforms, and investments in human capital.
Koskei identified industrialisation and export diversification as critical “make-or-break” factors, noting that Kenya’s heavy reliance on agricultural exports such as tea, coffee, and flowers limits long-term growth.
He said the country must move up the value chain by expanding manufacturing, lowering electricity costs, improving logistics, and prioritising agro-processing to retain higher profit margins locally.
Kenya’s growing information and communications technology sector, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah,” was also highlighted as a potential global hub for software development and digital services.
Governance and institutional integrity were cited as equally decisive. Koskei said corruption, weak enforcement of the rule of law, and politically driven policy shifts undermine investor confidence and long-term planning.
He stressed the need for consistent contract enforcement, protection of property rights, and a shift from ethnicity-based politics to issue-based politics to ensure policy continuity.
On education and human capital, Koskei said a developed economy demands a workforce capable of high-tech and high-efficiency output.
He called for a stronger focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, alongside expanded technical and vocational education to bridge skills gaps among the youth.
Increased investment in research and development was also identified as essential.
Macroeconomic stability, prudent debt management, reliable green energy, and deeper regional integration within the East African Community were highlighted as key enablers of growth.
“With the focus the government has put on these critical factors, there is no doubt that Kenya is marching forward to the First World,” Koskei said.
He urged national unity to accelerate progress, adding: “Kenyans must resolve on one accord to leave behind politico-ethnic differences and have their minds meet for the country to take the shortest time possible to reach First World status.”
