Kabando wa Kabando has added his voice to the growing debate on Kenya’s development path, sharply criticizing President William Ruto’s comparison of Kenya to Singapore.
He argued that the difference between the two nations is not just about economic planning but about leadership accountability.
Kabando said that in Singapore and Japan, leaders take full responsibility when things go wrong, while in Kenya, leaders appear more focused on protecting their own interests.
He pointed out that a Japanese Prime Minister recently resigned after his party lost in elections, saying this level of integrity is what Kenya lacks.
Kabando accused Ruto of promoting what he termed “lootocracy,” a system where greed overrides good governance.
President Ruto, during his media address on September 2, 2025, spoke passionately about Kenya’s potential to catch up with Singapore, a country that was at a similar development stage as Kenya 60 years ago but has now become an economic powerhouse.
Ruto used the housing sector as an example of where Kenya needs to improve, saying his government is committed to providing affordable housing to eradicate slums.
He noted that while 95 per cent of Singaporeans own homes, most Kenyans still live in rented houses or informal settlements. According to him, seven million people are currently living in slums, and this is unacceptable for a country with Kenya’s potential.
The President also linked his remarks to lessons he drew from his recent state visit to Japan, where he was impressed by the country’s discipline, vision, and ambition. He said that Kenya must adopt these same values to achieve similar success and transform into a modern, well-organized nation.
Ruto promised to go out of his way to ensure that Kenya catches up with Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea, insisting that it is possible if Kenyans work together.
While Ruto’s optimism has been welcomed by some supporters who view his housing and urban renewal programs as a step in the right direction, critics like Kabando wa Kabando argue that such comparisons are empty if the government does not address corruption, poor leadership, and lack of accountability.
They believe that for Kenya to achieve the success of countries like Singapore, it must not only build infrastructure but also build a culture where leaders are held responsible for failures and where public resources are protected from theft.
This clash of views highlights the deep conversation about Kenya’s future direction, with one side focusing on ambition and development targets while the other stresses governance and integrity as the foundation for real progress.
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