Peace and stability key to Kenya’s growth, says Mudavadi

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during the launch of Vision 100 of the International Memon Organization (IMO) East Africa chapter on January 10, 2026/MUSALIA MUDAVADIPrime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned Kenyans against taking the country’s peace and stability for granted, warning that national cohesion remains the backbone of economic growth and sustainable development.

Mudavadi said Kenya’s relative calm stands in sharp contrast to the volatile geopolitical environment across the world, where long-standing norms and institutions are being shaken.

“We have all woken up to a new year, and we are seeing extremely volatile situations globally. The global order has been shaken, the principles of the rule of law are being dismantled from virtually every corner,” he regretted.

Mudavadi was speaking during the launch of Vision 100 of the International Memon Organisation (IMO) East Africa chapter, a global non-profit initiative that emphasises resilience, self-empowerment, collaboration and unity in uplifting communities through education, health, humanity, business and awareness.

The Prime CS, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, called for both domestic and regional stability as foundations for proactive societies built on sustainable structures capable of empowering future generations.

“There is a real threat to society and humanity that we must look at critically, objectively and with a lot of sober conversations. All these plans would come to zero if we lose sight of the whole issue of peace, security and stability in our respective communities, societies, organisations and countries,” he noted.

“There is a need for a lot of deep reflection as we move forward. In all this, peace, security and stability remain paramount,” he added.

Mudavadi applauded the IMO Vision 100 initiative, saying it aligns with the government’s development priorities, including Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

He said if thoughtfully executed along its eight pillars, the collaboration between the Government and IMO East Africa could help transform the lives of many Kenyans.

The Vision 100 pillars include: roof over every head, 100 per cent literacy rate, independence and self-resilience, affordable health care, culture, language and heritage, sustainability and responsibility, community outreach, and mental and emotional wellness.

“This vision is consistent with our transformative plan, the BETA PLAN, we have a lot of synergy with Vision 100,” he said.

“The alignment between Kenya’s development agenda and Vision 100 pillars underscores the need for deepening Kenya–Memon community partnership. We support such well-organised communities as they complement government efforts, reduce pressure on state systems and accelerate national development,” he added.

Mudavadi congratulated IMO East Africa Vice President Shahid Yakub and Global Deputy President Shemir Yakub for spearheading an initiative that he said would empower future generations.

“This foregrounds Vision 100 as a credible partnership, not a substitute; emphasising the reality that governments alone cannot address all societal challenges,” he said.

On a lighter note, Mudavadi joked that before attending the event, he wondered whether IMO referred to the International Maritime Organization or the International Migration Organisation, before deciding to come learn about the institution firsthand.

He said the initiative underscores the need to prepare young people for leadership, entrepreneurship and responsible citizenship, describing Vision 100 as a pragmatic programme that blends identity, skills and opportunity.

“I asked myself, who are these people thinking 100 years ahead when for us we are used to Vision 2030, which ends in the next five years? We are debating whether to transition to Vision 2060 or Vision Kenya at 100. So I wanted to know who are these people and what is Vision 100,” he said.

Mudavadi assured the Memon community in Kenya and the wider region that the government is ready to partner with them as they implement Vision 100, saying Kenya’s strength lies in communities that take responsibility for their future while actively contributing to national progress.

He further urged the community to embrace technology and artificial intelligence as cross-cutting tools that will shape all development pillars in the future.