In a recent meeting with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and President William Ruto in Nairobi, the stark contrast between Kenya’s ambitious rhetoric and its execution reality became painfully apparent. The leaders enthusiastically discussed investments, infrastructure, and public housing, but beneath the shiny surface lurked a grim truth: Kenya’s development is hamstrung by a lack of long-term vision and a preoccupation with short-term gains.
At the heart of this disconnect lies an erratic energy sector. Consider this: Vietnam, with a population of 100 million, boasts over 70 GW of power. Kenya, home to 50 million people, has a mere 4 GW. This isn’t a trivial detail; it’s the bedrock of economic development. Investors are unlikely to set up factories where power outages are the norm. Vietnam understood this, prioritizing power generation before establishing free trade zones, and now it’s a global export powerhouse.
Kenya, meanwhile, celebrated the construction of an expressway from Nairobi to Mombasa, but without a robust export industry to justify it. Millions still live in slums, lacking reliable utilities. Tourism, a potential goldmine, is hampered by inefficient park gate check-ins and a dearth of nighttime activities. President Ruto’s public housing push is stymied by petty corruption and legal instability, with no credible incentives or risk guarantees to lure investors.
The contrast with countries like Vietnam or Singapore is stark. In these nations, leaders are hands-on, up at dawn, focusing on execution, not empty speeches. Power supply is reliable, policies are data-driven and consistent, and incentives are aligned with performance.
So, how might this news shape development in the sector? It’s a wake-up call for Kenya, and indeed, much of Africa. The continent is not lacking in potential; it’s lacking in a mindset shift. Leaders must pivot from performing for the next donor visit or summit to building systems that attract and retain both local and global investment. They must reward builders and ensure follow-through.
This news could spark a much-needed debate about Africa’s economic future. It’s not about resources or talent; it’s about reliability, consistency, and a nurturing environment for businesses and investors. If Kenya can turn off the microphone and turn on the power—both literally and metaphorically—it could become an engine of growth for the region.
The global window is closing. Asia isn’t waiting. Africa must act now, or risk being left further behind. The energy sector is a bellwether for the continent’s development. If Kenya can get its house in order, it could set a template for others to follow. But the key lies in action, not words. Investors, both domestic and foreign, are watching. They have the capital, the technology, and the expertise, but they need to see a credible commitment to execution and long-term vision.
This is not about painting a grim picture, but about sparking a debate that can drive change. The media, as the fourth estate, has a critical role to play in this. It must challenge norms, question promises, and hold leaders accountable. It must tell the stories that matter, the stories that can drive action.
The story of Kenya’s development is at a crossroads. One path leads to more of the same—big talk, little action. The other path leads to a future where power is reliable, investment flows, and the economy hums. The choice is clear, and the time to act is now.
