Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for a new approach to Kenya’s economic development, arguing that the country has the resources to prosper but needs leadership capable of putting them to work.
Speaking at Chatham House in London on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the former vice-president presented his economic and governance agenda, dubbed Kenya at a Cusp: Rescue, Restore, Renew, under the Komboa Kenya banner.
Kalonzo said Kenya should rely more on its domestic savings and capital to fund development, expand industries and create employment rather than depend heavily on external support.
“It is imperative that Kenyans take charge of their own destiny. We have the savings and the capital. Let us mobilise them, build our industries and finance our own development,” he said in a statement after his engagements in London.
He argued that the country’s economic challenges were not caused by a lack of resources or talent, but by leadership that had failed to make the most of them.
“Kenya does not lack wealth, talent or potential. What we have lacked is leadership that puts them to work for the people,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo Calls for Local Manufacturing
During a separate engagement at the House of Commons, Kalonzo called for greater investment in local manufacturing and value addition, saying Kenya should process more of its raw materials before exporting them.
He said farmers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and young people should benefit more directly from the country’s resources.
“A country cannot export raw materials, import finished goods and expect to prosper,” he said, adding that Kenya needed to manufacture goods and process more of its produce locally.
The proposal places industrial development and job creation at the centre of his economic agenda. However, the statement did not provide specific targets for employment, investment or industrial growth.
Kalonzo also called for international partnerships that respect Kenya’s interests, saying foreign governments and investors should support local development without dictating the country’s priorities.
“Kenya is not coming to Britain seeking rescue. We are not asking the world to build Kenya for us. We are determined to build Kenya ourselves, and we invite the world to build with us,” he said.
He warned against foreign investment that comes at the expense of Kenya’s natural resources or strategic assets.
“We welcome investors, but investment is not extraction, and partnership is not patronage,” he said.
Komboa Kenya Agenda Targets Corruption
Beyond economic policy, Kalonzo said his Komboa Kenya plan would seek to restore constitutionalism, tackle corruption and rebuild public confidence in state institutions.
He maintained that Kenya could achieve better economic and social outcomes if its resources were managed in the public interest.
“Our partners are welcome to stand with us as equals, to complement our effort, not to decide our future,” he said.
Kalonzo concluded his message with an optimistic appeal for national renewal, declaring that the country’s best days could still lie ahead.
“Kenya’s best days are not behind her. They are waiting for us to claim them,” he said.
The London engagements offered Kalonzo a platform to present his economic and governance priorities to policymakers, investors, diplomats and development partners.
While his address set out broad ambitions for economic recovery, industrial growth and institutional reform, the statement did not detail how the proposals would be financed or implemented.
The plan’s practical impact would depend on the policies, resources and measures eventually put forward to turn those commitments into action.
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