Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed that "cartels" at the Port of Mombasa sabotaged a 1990s initiative to modernize the port with expertise from Singapore. This resistance, he claims, derailed significant development for Kenya’s main maritime gateway.

• Mudavadi, then Finance Minister, negotiated a partnership with Singapore, known for its efficient port management.
• A technical team from Singapore visited Kenya but was "fought and chased away" by powerful local interests.
• The initiative aimed to benchmark Mombasa against Singapore's globally recognized port system.
• Mudavadi warned that Kenya risks stagnation if it continues to reject external expertise and best practices.
• The current administration under President William Ruto is pursuing a development agenda inspired by Singapore’s economic rise, including a Sh5 trillion infrastructure financing plan.