Stephen Musungu
Fred Matiang’i, former Interior Cabinet Secretary and presidential aspirant, has rejected President William Ruto’s ambitious scheme to remake Kenya into an “Africa’s Singapore” economic model as unrealistic and completely out of touch with the lives of the average citizens. Matiang’i called the scenario “season two of lying,” asserting it rehashes old commitments while failing to provide solutions for the socially and economically challenged.
During an election rally, which is next in the 2027 general elections, Matiang’i claimed that the government’s long-term vision is with the rising costs of living, meager job creation, and inequality that still exists.
He compared the high-sounding language to what he labeled “a billion-giving spree” and economic measures that he believed had not improved people’s living conditions at all.“The way to Singapore is a laughing matter,” Matiang’i declared and said that government policy was preoccupied with haughty long-run objectives while the majority of families are suffering as they try to get basic needs and take children to school.
He cautioned the public that they might once again be deceived by promises that lack a clear plan of execution.Matiang’i took the government to task for creeping up with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and claimed it was “season one of lies,” while heaping promises of the government’s passage to power as unfulfilled.
What he called development speeches without measures of progress only serve to grow public skepticism and divert attention from the urgent reforms that should take place in education, healthcare, and employment. The supporters of President Ruto have characterized the “Kenya as Singapore” concept as a visionary plan and part of an extensive economic growth and self-sufficiency strategy.
The President is of the opinion that the country has the resources, skilled labor, and strategic location to boost its economy significantly if the long-term policies are implemented properly.Nevertheless, among the critics, Matiang’i argues that the examples of small and economically peculiar countries such as Singapore and South Korea do not cover Kenya’s shortcomings, including high inequality and poor delivery of basic services.
Matiang’i’s statement is indicative of the almost gale-force political winds as the 2027 elections draw near and the opposition leaders take their stand against the government’s narrative. The analysts have pointed out that such strong critiques not only reflect but also emphasize the growing divide between political communication and public demand for tackling everyday economic difficulties.During the political campaigns, the debate about the economic future of Kenya is likely to continue as a major issue, with differing viewpoints from both the ruling party and the opposition swaying the voters’ mood.
