Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticised President William Ruto’s assertion that Kenya is on track to become the “Singapore of Africa”, calling it a “deeply misleading” claim and warning of structural economic and governance failures.

In a detailed statement issued on Thursday, December 4, 2025, Maraga contrasted Kenya’s current trajectory with the disciplined, corruption-free, and strategically managed path that transformed Singapore into a global economic powerhouse.

According to the former CJ, Singapore’s success was built on five principles: ruthless anti-corruption enforcement, fiscal restraint, a disciplined and competent government, zero tolerance for waste, and domestic wealth creation.

“President William Ruto often tells Kenyans that we are on track to becoming the “Singapore of Africa.” It is an attractive comparison but also a deeply misleading one. Singapore did not become Singapore by accident, slogans, or PR. It became Singapore through discipline, integrity, and leadership that treated public resources as sacred and corruption as an existential threat,” Maraga wrote.

By contrast, Maraga asserts, Kenya under President Ruto has embraced the opposite approach, highlighting what he calls “structural” failures in governance and economic management.

Kenya’s public debt

In his criticism, Maraga also highlighted that Kenya’s public debt has surged from approximately Ksh8.6 trillion to over Ksh12 trillion in under three years, consuming more than 70% of ordinary government revenue and leaving little for essential public services.

“When President Ruto took office, Kenya’s public debt stood at approximately KSh 8.6 trillion. By late 2025, it has breached KSh 12 trillion, according to CBK-based estimates, equivalent to roughly $93 billion. That is an increase of close to 40% in under three years,” Maraga stated.

“This explosion of borrowing has not delivered world-class healthcare, affordable education, or transformational infrastructure. Instead, it has largely funded a bloated state, inflated contracts, and serial corruption scandals.”

Bloated political and bureaucratic system

He also cited a bloated political and bureaucratic system that drains national resources, while most citizens face rising costs of living and unemployment.

Instead of ending careers, Maraga also argues that corruption is reportedly rewarded, with high-profile individuals continuing to hold office and influence.

Maraga further noted that Kenya’s poverty is not due to a lack of resources but because of an extractive system designed to serve the ruling elite. He urged a return to “disciplined, ethical leadership” where public office is treated as a trust, corruption is an existential threat, and national resources are safeguarded.