Caleb Amisi dismisses Ruto’s Singapore dream, calls for institutional reform
By Emmanuel Rono, June 16, 2026Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has rubbished Kenya Kwanza’s Singapore dream, arguing that the ambition is unrealistic without deep institutional reforms.
Speaking at Ufungamano House in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Amisi said Singapore’s celebrated economic transformation was anchored on strong institutions, strategic investment in infrastructure, education, and technology—elements he says Kenya has yet to fully embrace.
He criticised the government’s development narrative, saying slogans alone cannot deliver structural change.
“You cannot achieve Singapore. You have to change the institutions here so that you can achieve Singapore. We cannot sugarcoat about changing our country,” Amisi said.
Economic revolution
Amisi argued that Kenya must pursue what he termed an economic revolution focused on rebuilding governance systems, improving accountability, and prioritising long-term productive sectors over short-term political messaging.
“You cannot achieve Singapore. You have to change the institutions here so that you can achieve Singapore. We cannot sugarcoat about changing our country,” Amisi said.
Ruto’s dream to Singapore
President William Ruto has shared a bold vision for the nation’s future, promising that Kenya is on a good track to becoming a first-world country within the lifetime of current generations.
Speaking during a visit to the Kisii and Nyamira region on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, President Ruto stressed that the country’s ongoing development programmes will fundamentally alter its landscape within the next decade.
Ruto listed the government’s affordable housing programme, which he described as a catalyst for national change, as a key initiative in making the country develop.
He predicted that in another 10 years, the progress made through these initiatives will make the country unrecognisable, drawing parallels to the rapid development seen in nations like Singapore.
“Go anywhere, and it is just programme affordable housing in another 10 years, you will not recognise Kenya, hii Singapore tunaongelelea haiko mbali, we’re going to make it in our lifetime, that’s why I’ve said Kenya is going to be a first-world country in our lifetime. Equity is very important, ” Ruto said.