Built by researchers, practitioners and civic institutions The Kenya people’s manifesto is a non-partisan policy project examining the structural challenges holding Kenya back and proposing practical pathways toward economic sovereignty, public prosperity, and democratic accountability.
Kenya’s challenges are often discussed as isolated problems: rising debt, expensive fuel, food insecurity, unemployment, and underfunded public services. But these are not separate crises. They are symptoms of deeper structural dependencies that leave the country vulnerable to external shocks while limiting its ability to invest in her own people.
KSh 575B spent on Annual Petroleum Imports
Kenya generates more than 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, yet remains heavily dependent on imported petroleum for transport, industry and household energy needs.
Gov't spends KSh 500B Food Imports Annually
Despite its agricultural potential, Kenya imports a significant share of the staple foods consumed across the country.
Approximately 84% of rice, 88% of wheat and more than 90% of edible oils are sourced from abroad. This dependence leaves the food system vulnerable to disruptions in global trade and rising international prices, while millions of smallholder farmers struggle to access the credit, infrastructure and support needed to increase domestic production.
67.1% of Revenue Spent on Debt Service
The Kenyan state now spends a majority of its revenue servicing debt obligations before investing in development priorities.
As debt repayments consume a growing share of public resources, spending on health, education, social protection and productive investment comes under increasing pressure. The result is a cycle in which the capacity of government to respond to public needs is constrained by financial commitments made years earlier.
67% Youth Unemployment
Kenya is one of the youngest countries in the world, yet millions of young people face limited economic opportunity.
Unemployment, underemployment and precarious work have become defining features of life for a generation entering adulthood. Beyond lost income, the absence of meaningful economic participation carries social and political consequences that affect families, communities and the country's long-term prospects for growth and stability.
This short film provides an overview of the Manifesto’s core arguments, the challenges it seeks to address, and the vision that connects its six policy series. For first-time visitors, it offers a concise introduction to the questions, evidence and ambitions that shape the project.
The Manifesto is organised into six interconnected policy series that together examine the foundations of Kenya’s economic, social and political future. From productive economies and public finance to public goods, infrastructure, sovereignty and safety, each series explores a critical area of national development and presents evidence-based proposals for reform.
Explore the full architecture of the Manifesto, navigate each policy series, and access the complete collection of briefs in one place.
Explore the latest commentary, case studies, research notes and media contributions that expand on the ideas presented in the Manifesto. From published op-eds and policy analysis to practical examples and supporting evidence, these resources provide deeper context for the challenges and opportunities facing Kenya today.
The ideas in the Manifesto are part of a wider and continuing public conversation about Kenya’s future. We publish new analysis, policy briefs and commentary as the work evolves, and invite readers to stay connected.
Follow the project as it develops and engage with the research, arguments and evidence shaping the Manifesto.
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