Former Chief Justice David Maraga has released a comprehensive economic and governance blueprint, outlining how he plans to address Kenya’s fiscal challenges, youth unemployment, and corruption if elected president.
Speaking on X, Maraga positioned his proposals as a direct contrast to President William Ruto’s claims of being the only leader capable of steering the country.
Maraga framed his approach within Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, stressing that no individual should be treated as indispensable.
“Our Katiba rejected the notion of messiahs and autocrats. Leadership is open to any Kenyan committed to serving the nation,” he stated.
The plan’s first priority targets government spending and debt management. Maraga proposes limiting debt service to KSH 600 billion, cancelling idle or questionable contracts, freezing non-essential borrowing, and redirecting resources to key national priorities.
The aim, he said, is to achieve a balanced budget within his first term and reduce the “crowding out” effects of excessive public debt on private investment.
Addressing structural economic barriers forms the second pillar of his agenda. Maraga noted that high taxation and heavy regulation have stifled entrepreneurship, and pledged reforms to ease business operations and encourage capital flows.
His strategy emphasizes creating an environment where private sector growth can drive employment and investment.
A central focus is youth employment. Through the National Youth Apprenticeship Program, Maraga intends to upskill young Kenyans aged 18–30, providing employer incentives and guaranteed placements.
The program targets four million youth within three years, with projected additional revenue of KSH 576 billion annually once fully scaled.
Maraga also emphasized technological innovation, intellectual property rights, and manufacturing expansion.
His plan includes county-based industrial zones, investments in digital infrastructure and AI, and initiatives to boost domestic production and exports of ideas and inventions, reducing reliance on labour migration.
Finally, Maraga pledged a tough stance on corruption. He emphasized enforcement of existing laws, full digitization of procurement, and transparent real-time budget tracking.
“My family and I will not engage in government business,” he said, adding that systematic implementation of laws would address ongoing mismanagement.
The announcement situates Maraga as a candidate highlighting governance, fiscal discipline, and youth empowerment, entering the political conversation as Kenya approaches the 2027 elections.