Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised President William Ruto’s ambition to transform Kenya into a first-world country similar to Singapore.
Speaking on Sunday, December 21, Kalonzo questioned the feasibility of the plan, noting that Kenya continues to lose businesses to neighbouring countries despite the government’s development promises.
The former Vice President said reports presented during the 2023 bipartisan talks under the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) indicated that several companies had relocated to Tanzania and Uganda, a trend he said has persisted and contributed to rising youth unemployment by exporting jobs outside the country.
Ruto’s First-World Dream Draws Criticism from Kalonzo Musyoka. Photo: Courtesy.
Kalonzo termed President Ruto’s Singapore dream a dead card strategy to woo Kenyans ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, Kenya was already expected to achieve middle-income status by 2030 under Vision 2030, arguing that the promise of becoming a first-world nation rings hollow as many citizens struggle with unemployment and the high cost of living.
President Ruto, however, has defended the vision, which he unveiled during the State of the Nation address on November 20.
The plan includes infrastructure projects estimated to cost over Ksh5 trillion, to be funded through a National Infrastructure Fund, a Sovereign Wealth Fund, and revenues from natural resources and privatised state assets.
