Prof. Hino: Kenya must tackle corruption, debt to achieve Singapore-level economy

International economic consultant Prof. Hiroyuki Hino has told Kenyans that while the vision of attaining Singapore's economic status is achievable, it cannot happen without curbing corruption at all levels of governance.

Hino, one of the experts who advised President William Ruto on a vision framework for the country beyond 2030, told the National Conversation meeting that both the public and private sectors must also invest in human capital, control debt, and accelerate economic growth.

Prof. Hino says that although Kenya can achieve elaborate economic and social transformation within a generation, the government must pursue four key reforms.

These include fighting corruption, strengthening human capital, debt control and accelerated economic growth.

“Corruption damages the economy and weakens the social fabric. Curbing corruption would be truly transformative for Kenya,” he said.

While sharing his expertise during the National Conversation Beyond Vision 2030 at the KICC, Hino, a professor at Duke University in the US, said Kenya could reach Singapore's current economic performance by 2063, when the country marks its centenary, by boosting childhood nutrition, learning outcomes and access to basic services for ordinary citizens.

Singapore's gross national income per person stands at 80,000 dollars, 40 times that of Kenya at 2,000 dollars.

“To skeptics, I would say Kenyans possess personal attributes that can power extraordinary growth. The Asian miracle was driven, in an important part, by the strength of its people: hard work, motivation, discipline, and cooperation,” Hino said.

Prof. Hino called on the country to sustain and strengthen strategies that have worked by implementing prudent fiscal policies, substantial infrastructure projects, and promoting a friendly business environment. This, he says, could sustain growth of the gross national income per person.

In calling for reforms in the education and labour sectors, Prof. Hino wants enhanced government support for vulnerable citizens and greater recognition of small informal enterprises.

“Raila dreamed of a new Kenya where ordinary citizens enjoy a decent life and look to the future with full hope. His dream, Raila's dream, was to empower young Kenyans to live their dreams,” he noted.

Kisumu Governor and chairman of the strategic working group designing the Beyond 2030 Vision transformational agenda, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, emphasised the need for collective responsibility in the planning, drafting, and execution of the economic plan.

“We must have a clear view of the future we want and commit to building it block by block till achievement… this conversation is necessary now. Vision 2030 was intended to transform Kenya that provides a high-quality life...with 2030 around the corner, it is necessary to take stock of how far we've come,” said Nyong’o.