ODM chief Raila laments nation's economic decline, proposes solutions
The ODM Party leader suggested that Kenya still has the potential to become a major economic powerhouse.
ODM Party leader, Raila Odinga, has expressed concern over Kenya's economic performance, pointing out that at independence, the country's economic standing was comparable to that of the Asian Tigers.
However, Kenya has since fallen behind, according to the former Prime Minister.
Speaking at a series of engagements at the State House on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Raila voiced optimism about Kenya’s potential to become the leading economic power in East and Central Africa, provided the right decisions are made.
"Kenya is at a pivotal point in its development," Raila remarked.
"We need to harness knowledge and expertise to transition our nation from a third-world to a first-world economy."
He emphasized that this transition is achievable, drawing comparisons with other nations that have made similar strides.
"In 1983, when Kenya gained its independence, its economy was on par with that of South Korea in terms of GDP, per capita income, literacy levels, and poverty rates," he recalled.
The ODM Party leader, who has contested for the presidency multiple times without success, suggested that Kenya still has the potential to become a major economic powerhouse.
"Sixty years later, there is a significant gap between Kenya and South Korea. One must ask, what did the Koreans get right that Kenyans missed? If you can answer that, then you're on the path to solving Kenya's challenges," Raila noted.
"I firmly believe that it is possible for us to achieve this, which is why I have never wavered in my commitment to guiding our people back on track," Raila stated.
He continued, "As a nation, we must position ourselves as a leader in our region. We have a vast market surrounding us, especially in East and Central Africa. If we get our strategies right, there's no reason why we can't leapfrog and catch up with nations that have moved ahead of us."
Raila urged President William Ruto to make the right decisions to steer the country toward prosperity, emphasizing their mutual agreement to collaborate.
Two months earlier, on March 7, 2025, Raila’s ODM Party and Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition formed a partnership aimed at addressing the ongoing political and economic challenges facing the nation.
The agreement followed the inclusion of several ODM party members into the government as experts and their appointment to key cabinet and senior positions.
"For Kenya to reach its full potential, we must set aside outdated, superficial rivalries and adopt a unifying vision," President Ruto remarked during the signing of the partnership agreement at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
However, the agreement has faced internal challenges, with key figures from Raila Odinga’s camp, including ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, questioning the arrangement.