President William Ruto has defended his plan to launch nationwide public consultations on a new long-term development blueprint, saying the process is aimed at shaping Kenya's future rather than influencing the 2027 General Election, while insisting the outcome will be anchored in law to guide successive governments.
Speaking during a church service at ACK St Stephen's Chepkoilel in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday, the President dismissed criticism from opposition leaders over the proposed Vision 2060 framework, arguing that Kenya needs a new national development agenda to succeed Vision 2030 and reflect the realities of the 2010 Constitution.
"Why does anybody have a problem with us sitting together as a nation? Are you against public participation? Are you against citizens coming together?" Ruto posed, defending the planned national conversation.
He said the consultations would focus on Kenya's long-term prosperity rather than political competition, adding that every Kenyan would have an opportunity to contribute ideas.
"It is not going to be a conversation about leaders. It is not going to be a conversation about political parties. It is not a conversation about 2027. It is a conversation about the future of our country and how together we must drive that vision into the future, and we are going to put it in law," he said.
Ruto argued that the Constitution envisions a prosperous and developed nation, citing Article 43, which guarantees rights including housing, healthcare and education, saying the country must move beyond what he described as "guesswork" in development planning.
"Tutaweka sheria kwamba Kenya itakuwa nchi ambayo maendeleo yake yatapangwa kisheria. Hatuwezi kuendelea na guesswork kwa muda mrefu," he said.
The President also defended key government programmes that have faced criticism, including affordable housing, Universal Health Coverage and education reforms, arguing they are rooted in constitutional obligations.
"When we planned affordable housing, some people opposed it, yet it is in the Constitution of Kenya. When we planned Universal Health Coverage, others opposed it, yet it is also in the Constitution," he said.
Ruto maintained that Kenya has the potential to become a first-world economy if it adopts a legally protected long-term development plan.
"I decided that Kenya must stop being an underdeveloped country. We must stop being a poor nation. I envision a wealthy Kenya, a Kenya with enough food, enough jobs for our young people, and a Kenya where no part of the country is left behind," he said.
The President announced that public consultations on Vision 2060 will begin on August 12, urging leaders to put aside political differences and help shape a shared national vision.
"The 2027 elections will come, but for now let us plan how the country will move forward," he said.
Opposition leaders have continued to criticise the proposed Vision 2060 framework, arguing that the government should prioritise resolving Kenya's immediate challenges before embarking on a new long-term development agenda.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has questioned the rationale for introducing another national blueprint before fully implementing Vision 2030, saying the government's focus should be on delivering the commitments already contained in the current plan.
People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua also opposed the proposal, urging the government to concentrate on pressing governance and economic concerns rather than launching a new decades-long vision.
Other opposition figures have similarly dismissed Vision 2060 as a distraction from the issues affecting Kenyans, including the high cost of living, unemployment, healthcare financing and taxation.