11/30/2025
President William Ruto has recently begun telling a bold new story, one meant to stir hope across the country. The idea of transforming Kenya into “the Singapore of Africa.” It is an appealing vision, especially at a time when many Kenyans continue searching for greener pastures abroad, from the Middle East to Europe. Ruto understands that people long for opportunity, stability and a future they can believe in. But a captivating narrative is not the same as a concrete plan.
Before speaking of first world dreams, Kenya must first repair its foundations. Our education system is struggling, healthcare is stretched thin, the cost of living keeps climbing, The country’s debt has spiraled out of control, corruption is deepening, the government continues to burden citizens instead of delivering solutions and overtaxation continues to drain households and cripple small businesses. Purchasing power has fallen sharply and the economy feels increasingly unstable.
Then came the just concluded Mbeere, Narok township, Kasipul and Malava by-elections. Events that for many Kenyans, raised fresh concerns. Reports and allegations of intimidation, heavy handed policing and an atmosphere that did not fully embody democratic freedom have left citizens questioning whether the government seeks to build trust or enforce compliance. Such tensions make the Singapore narrative feel even more distant from the lived reality on the ground.
Singapore’s rise was not built on political showmanship. It was forged through strong institutions, long-term discipline, a commitment to fairness and policies that genuinely uplifted citizens. If President Ruto truly wants to lead Kenya into a new era, he must begin with the essentials: strengthening systems, easing the burden on Kenyan families, restoring confidence in public institutions and ensuring that Elections in Kenya are free, fair and completely free of intimidation, no deployment of military tanks, no government sponsored goons wielding crude weapons and no rigging disguised as administration. What this country needs are institutions that protect the will of the people an independent police service that upholds the law instead of being used as a political tool and an electoral process that Kenyans can trust without fear. Democracy should empower citizens not frighten them.
Only then can Kenya chart a believable path toward excellence. Until that happens, the Singapore comparison remains a Campaign story not a strategy.
