President William Ruto has defended the government's new Vision 2060 development plan, stating it will be constitutionally anchored and insulated from political interference.

• The initiative aims to operationalize the development agenda within Kenya's 2010 Constitution.
• President Ruto announced nationwide public consultations will begin on August 12 to develop the plan.
• This new blueprint will succeed Vision 2030, guiding Kenya's economic and social transformation for decades.

A group of UDA leaders in Kitui County has urged residents of the Ukambani region to support President William Ruto's re-election bid and his Vision 2063 development agenda.

• The leaders promoted President Ruto's Vision 2063, a long-term economic blueprint aiming to transform Kenya into a prosperous and industrialized nation.
• Key figures included Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai, Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai, and Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna.
• They highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in Kitui County as evidence of the government's commitment to equitable development.

Kinanie Member of County Assembly (MCA) Francis Kavyu has officially joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), declaring his intention to vie for the Mavoko parliamentary seat in 2027.

• Francis Kavyu's defection is a significant boost for UDA in the Ukambani region, traditionally an opposition stronghold.
• Kavyu was received by UDA National Organising Secretary Vincent Musyoka Kawaya.
• This move occurs as UDA faces recent high-profile defections, including from Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata, while also attracting leaders like former Samburu Woman Representative Maison Leshoomo.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has renewed his attack on the government's Vision 2060 initiative, urging focus on immediate economic and security issues instead of long-term development plans.

• Gachagua criticized the Vision 2060 initiative, calling it a distraction from pressing concerns like the high cost of living, agricultural sector struggles, and insecurity.
• Key issues highlighted include the need to protect local rice farmers from imports, concerns over poor quality fertilizer affecting maize crops, and the impact of a 0.8 percent tea levy.
• Gachagua also raised alarm over the closure of the New KCC processing plant in Nyahururu, the resurgence of illicit alcohol, and preparedness for anticipated El Niño rains.
• Politically, he rejected alleged plans to amend the Constitution to replace the presidential system with a parliamentary model.