Kenyan official calls for stronger parties to preserve reform course
Narok County Secretary Mayani ole Tuya in Kenya called for strengthening political parties so that long-term state programs are not interrupted when presidents change. In a column for Nation Kenya, he argues that stable party structures could ensure the consistent implementation of economic transformation plans.
Presidential terms and Vision 2030
The author links interruptions in the political course to constitutional restrictions: Kenya's president is elected for five years and may hold office for no more than two terms. In his view, these restrictions are intended to strengthen democratic accountability, prevent authoritarian tendencies and guarantee political renewal, but they may also encourage leaders to focus on short-term electoral goals.
Mayani ole Tuya believes that after Mwai Kibaki's presidency ended in 2012, subsequent administrations did not fully continue his long-term economic strategy and progress toward the Vision 2030 goals. According to the author, competing, conflicting or duplicated priorities led to policy instability, shifts in direction and the suspension of projects.
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Examples of Rwanda and Singapore
The author named Rwanda and Singapore as examples of states where strong political parties, in his opinion, helped ensure the long-term implementation of development programs. He noted that in Rwanda, after the 1994 genocide, the Rwandan Patriotic Front led by President Paul Kagame implemented the Vision 2020 program aimed at achieving middle-income country status.
He also drew attention to Singapore's experience under Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and the People's Action Party. Among the components of the country's strategy, the author highlighted meritocratic governance, combating corruption, crime control, education reform and industrialization.
In Mayani ole Tuya's view, Kenya's industrialization through economic diversification, the energy transition, transport modernization, technological integration and digitalization will require 20–30 years of consistent policy. He believes that strong parties should help maintain this course regardless of changes in presidents.
