Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo has lauded President William Ruto’s proposed National Conversation, describing it as a crucial opportunity for Kenyans to shape the nation’s long-term development beyond Vision 2030.
Cheptumo noted that the proposed dialogue arrives at a significant juncture for Kenya, as the country considers the policies, institutions, and investments that will characterise its next phase of development.
She emphasised that the initiative, announced by President Ruto in his recent Special National Address, merits widespread support from Kenyans, given that its outcomes could influence the country’s development priorities for generations to come.
“The National Conversation carries profound significance. It reinforces an important principle of public policy: that enduring national development is achieved through strong institutions, long-term planning and intergenerational stewardship,” Cheptumo stated.
The Cabinet Secretary asserted that Kenya’s development cannot rely solely on short-term interventions, arguing that sustained progress necessitates institutions and policies capable of delivering long-term results. She commended the President’s emphasis on building upon existing strategic national initiatives already underway, including the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Cheptumo explained that the National Conversation therefore provides an opportunity to assess how current national investments and institutions can contribute to a cohesive development framework extending beyond Vision 2030.
For the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, she stressed that the conversation should also ensure that development is measured not merely by infrastructure and economic growth, but by its impact on people and communities.
“The National Conversation presents an opportunity to ensure that human capital development, gender equality, child protection, social inclusion, and Kenya’s cultural heritage remain integral pillars of the country’s next long-term development framework,” Cheptumo affirmed.
Cheptumo says the process should enable Kenyans to reflect on the kind of country they wish to build and the institutions required to sustain that vision.
During his special national address, President Ruto said the proposed conversation is expected to offer a platform for examining Kenya’s long-term priorities and strengthening the policy foundations necessary to sustain development across generations.
