Jimi Wanjigi warns Kenya’s debt could strain economy until 2040

Addressing party delegates, Wanjigi argued that a significant portion of tax revenue is currently being used to service national debt, leaving limited resources for development and essential public services.

He also positioned himself as the most suitable candidate to lead the country in the 2027 General Election, urging the united opposition to rally behind his bid, and claiming they lack a stronger alternative agenda.

“Kama wanataka kumngoa Ruto, kama ni ukweli shida ni William Ruto na uchumi wetu, watafika mahali waseme ni nani atamtoa na mimi nataka niwaambie nikiwa hapa, hakuna mwingine, munamwangalia hapa hapa,” Wanjigi said.

He further compared Kenya’s debt trajectory under different administrations, citing past presidents and warning that without a clear strategy to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio, living standards will remain under pressure.

“Sasa wakati wa Kibaki, one trillion na two trillion ilikuwa two times, si alipunguza, Uhuru alikaa in 2013… wakati alikuwa anapatia Ruto, ushuru ulikuwa imifika 2T na deni ilikuwa imefika 9T… tumpigie makofi, ametuzidia na shida,” he said.

Wanjigi accused the government of mismanagement, arguing that borrowing has continued without sufficient accountability or tangible benefits to citizens.

“Hii shida, inatumaliza, kama nyinyi hamna pesa, mnadhani serikali iko na pesa?… ile hela mnasikia wanaiba, wanatembea nayo, wanampatia mapromises, sijui nini, anakopa, ile anakula State House, anakopa. Petroli? Anakopa,” he said.

He likened his political role to a “Noah’s ark” figure, suggesting he would steer Kenya through its economic challenges.

“Wale tulikuwa na wao. Agenda ni kweli vile Kasongo anasema, hawana. Ni ukweli, I’ll tell you the truth, agenda yao ni moja, kungoa Ruto, mnataka kuto Ruto mkae hivi hivi ama mnataka mabadilisho? Si tufagie wote?” he posed.

According to the National Treasury, Kenya’s public and publicly guaranteed debt stood at Ksh.11.814.5 trillion (about 11.8 trillion), representing 67.8 per cent of GDP as of June 2025, reflecting an 11.7 per cent increase from 2024.