Former Kesses MP Dr Swarup Mishra has called for a shift in the national conversation from political competition to Kenya’s long-term development, saying the country is undergoing significant transformation that should be assessed through tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

Speaking during interviews on KTN TV and Spice FM, Mishra shared his assessment of President William Ruto’s administration, highlighting developments and opportunities in healthcare, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), agriculture, education, investment, medical tourism and the broader economy.

Mishra said Kenya’s development journey should not be viewed solely through the political lens, arguing that the country needs a sustained conversation on what can be done to strengthen the economy and improve service delivery.

He particularly focused on the healthcare sector, saying the reforms currently underway go beyond the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

According to Mishra, the bigger objective should be to establish a stronger and more sustainable healthcare financing system capable of expanding access to quality medical services and supporting the country’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.

He said Kenya has the potential to emerge as a regional healthcare hub by investing in modern medical facilities, specialised treatment, healthcare professionals and technology.

Mishra also linked healthcare reforms to the growth of medical tourism, noting that a stronger health system could attract patients from across Africa and reduce the number of Kenyans seeking specialised treatment abroad.

He said such investments would not only improve healthcare outcomes but could also create employment, attract investment and generate additional revenue for the country.

On agriculture, Mishra said the sector remains central to Kenya’s economy and the livelihoods of millions of households. He pointed to the need for continued investment in agricultural productivity, access to affordable inputs, markets and value addition to ensure farmers benefit more from their production.

He also highlighted education as a critical pillar of national development, saying investment in human capital is essential if Kenya is to build a competitive workforce capable of driving innovation, industrialisation and economic growth.

Mishra further spoke about investment opportunities, arguing that Kenya must continue creating an environment that attracts both local and international investors.

He said a stronger investment environment would support job creation, expand businesses and provide young Kenyans with more opportunities.

The former legislator said the country should also begin thinking beyond the 2027 General Election and develop a long-term national vision that can guide Kenya’s development irrespective of political cycles.

He argued that political transitions should not interrupt projects and policies designed to transform the country over the long term.

Mishra said the focus should therefore be on building institutions, infrastructure, human capital and economic systems that can sustain development for generations.

He maintained that Kenyans should be willing to acknowledge areas where progress has been made while continuing to demand improvements where challenges remain.

“The conversation must go beyond politics,” Mishra said, calling for greater attention to the country’s development agenda and the opportunities that lie ahead.

His remarks come as political discussions intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders across the political divide positioning themselves around different visions for Kenya’s future.

Mishra urged Kenyans to engage in constructive debate about the country’s future and to assess development policies based on their impact on ordinary citizens.

He said the achievements and reforms being implemented today should be used as a foundation for building a stronger Kenya in the years ahead.

According to Mishra, the country’s long-term ambition should be to create an economy that provides quality healthcare, better education, productive agriculture, increased investment and sustainable employment opportunities for its growing population.

He said Kenya has the potential to become an even stronger economic and healthcare hub in the region if current opportunities are matched with strategic planning, effective implementation and continued investment.

Mishra’s comments have added to the growing debate on how Kenya should balance political competition with the need for sustained economic and social development as the country looks beyond 2027.