A seven-year-old boy captured the attention of President William Ruto on Wednesday with a heartfelt vision of the Kenya he hopes to grow up in—one where children are safe, families are happy, and every child has the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
Speaking during the launch of the Beyond Vision 2030 national conversation, Adrian Gweth shared what he hopes Kenya will look like by 2060, when he will be 41 years old.
He envisioned good schools for all children, quality healthcare, clean water in every home, clean roads, more jobs for young people, safe and happy families, clean towns and cities, as well as more fields and green spaces.
“Good morning, Mr President, my name is Adrian Gweth. I am 7 years old. In 2060, I will be 41 years old and my dream for Kenya is that I would like to see good schools for all children, good hospitals for everyone, clean water for every home,” he said.
He also urged the country to protect its wildlife and preserve peace.
“Mr President, I want to grow up in a happy and safe Kenya. I want Kenya to be a country where every child can dream and achieve their dreams,” he said.
His message came as Ruto launched a national conversation on Kenya’s long-term development agenda beyond the expiry of Vision 2030.
The initiative, dubbed Beyond Vision 2030, seeks to lay the foundation for a long-term blueprint that will guide the country’s development priorities beyond 2030.
The proposed framework will focus on key areas considered critical to Kenya’s economic and social transformation.
These include economic transformation and prosperity, industrialisation and value addition, jobs, skills and youth empowerment, and technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The agenda will also prioritise world-class infrastructure, quality education and human capital, accessible and affordable healthcare, food security and climate resilience.
Other pillars include national wealth and strategic investment, as well as strong institutions and good governance.
The national conversation is expected to provide a platform for Kenyans and other stakeholders to contribute to discussions on the country’s priorities after Vision 2030.
The launch comes as Kenya approaches the final years of the Vision 2030 development framework, which has guided the country’s long-term economic and social planning since its inception.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi dismissed claims that President Ruto has developed a new vision for Kenya, saying the long-term development blueprint will be shaped through public participation and not imposed by the Head of State.
Mbadi said the national conversation on Kenya Vision 2060 would provide an opportunity for Kenyans, opposition leaders and other stakeholders to contribute ideas on the country’s long-term economic and development priorities.
“I've had people saying Ruto has developed another vision. Ruto has not developed a vision,” Mbadi said.
The CS said the process is anchored in the Constitution and would allow Kenyans to determine the direction they want the country to take over the next several decades.
