ONYANGO: How Kenya can learn from China’s model of long-term development

Kenya’s five-year electoral cycles often disrupt ongoing development projects initiated by previous administrations, leading to inefficient use of taxpayers’ money. While some projects continue, many stall when there is no political continuity.

President William Ruto himself reversed several initiatives by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, before realising the injustice to Kenyans.

For Kenya to avoid this cycle of wasted resources, we should adopt best practices and create laws ensuring no new administration begins a project until previous ones are completed. This approach would prevent the loss of money through stalled initiatives.

A major flaw in African democracy, inherited from colonial powers, is the frequent electoral cycles causing leadership changes and often the abandonment of prior government projects. This disrupts governance and destabilises economies by fostering political polarisation, which deters investment.

In Kenya, election years often bring tensions that create an unstable environment for growth and investment. During China’s 2025 legislative sessions, I learnt about China’s longterm approach to national development through its Five-Year Plans.

These plans focus on long-term goals such as economic growth, technological innovation and social welfare. Kenya can learn from this approach by setting clear, long-term national goals that transcend shortterm political interests.

China’s rise as a global economic powerhouse is largely due to its strategic and forward-thinking approach. For Kenya, a country rich in resources but facing numerous development challenges, China’s model offers valuable lessons.

By adopting long-term planning, the country can achieve sustainable progress while avoiding the disruptions caused by shifting political agendas. To implement such a system, lawmakers must pass laws that prioritise the completion of ongoing projects before starting new ones.

Furthermore, the idea proposed by KRA chairperson Ndiritu Muriithi to eliminate the annual Finance Bill could create a more stable business environment for long-term growth.

China’s Five-Year Plans are instrumental in its economic and social strategy. These plans outline specific goals with clear targets and actions, and the government evaluates progress annually, making necessary adjustments.

For Kenya, adopting a similar approach could provide stability, allowing the country to focus on strategic priorities. Vision 2030, although a good framework, is often disrupted by political changes.

By prioritising long-term objectives, Kenya can ensure consistency in its development strategies. Regular assessments and adjustments will keep the country on track.

China’s transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial powerhouse is a key success story of its Five-Year Plans. By focusing on technological advancements and expanding the manufacturing sector, China moved from being a producer of raw materials to a global leader in technological innovation.

Kenya, with its agricultural wealth, often exports raw materials without adding value. By following China’s model of industrialisation, Kenya can build its manufacturing base, create jobs and increase its export capacity.

Focusing on sectors such as technology, renewable energy and manufacturing would move Kenya up the value chain and contribute to sustainable growth.

China’s Five-Year Plans also emphasise the government’s active role in driving economic growth. The government has shaped industrial policy, directed economic activities and encouraged investment in strategic sectors.

While the private sector is crucial, government involvement through state-owned enterprises and public-private partnerships has been instrumental.

In Kenya, although the private sector plays a major role, the government can play a more active role in sectors such as energy, education and infrastructure.

PPPs can help fund critical projects, and the government’s involvement can channel resources into key areas that promote long-term prosperity. Sustainability is another key focus of China’s Five-Year Plans.

As China works toward carbon neutrality by 2060, it is prioritising environmental protection alongside economic growth. This focus on sustainable development offers valuable lessons for Kenya, which is already dealing with environmental challenges such as deforestation, water scarcity and pollution.

By incorporating sustainability into long-term planning, we can ensure growth does not harm the environment. Investing in renewable energy, promoting green technologies, and enforcing policies to protect natural resources will help Kenya achieve sustainable development.

China’s Five-Year Plans offer key insights into long-term strategic planning. By adopting a similar approach to national development, setting clear long-term goals and engaging the government actively in critical sectors, Kenya can achieve sustainable development.

Although the contexts of Kenya and China differ, the core principles of strategic planning, innovation and inclusive growth are highly relevant. With the right policies, Kenya can build a prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for its citizens.

The writer a Journalist and communications consultant