Presidential Hopeful Kigame Unveils National Reform Blueprint

By Staff Writer

Food security reform and anti-corruption governance are the primary barriers to national progress, presidential aspirant Dr Reuben Kigame has said, outlining an agenda he believes can break Kenya’s cycle of hunger and stalled development.

Kigame said recurring drought and starvation are not acts of fate but failures of leadership, planning and accountability. He argued that predictable crises continue to catch the country unprepared because of weak systems.

Speaking about his campaign “game plan and journey,” Kigame described Kenya’s hunger emergencies as foreseeable events that require long-term mitigation rather than periodic relief drives.

“Starvation is nothing new. We predict these problems, but when they come, we pretend to be shocked,” he said. “Planning and implementation is what I bring to the table.”

Kigame was part of the Okoa Maisha Kenya Initiative launched in November 2022 to respond to severe hunger in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands. He said the experience reinforced his belief in structured intervention.

His proposal centres on expanding irrigation, strengthening water harvesting and investing in storage infrastructure to cut post-harvest losses that undermine national food reserves.

“We must save what we have and use it during bad times. When production is high, the government should mop up surplus, pay farmers promptly, and store it for drought seasons,” he said.

He said the State should seal wastage in production chains, support farmers with quality inputs and ensure agricultural programmes are run by professionals rather than political appointees.

Kigame also criticised the continued importation of goods such as sugar and maize that are produced locally, arguing that premature imports weaken domestic producers and distort markets.

Beyond agriculture, Kigame placed anti-corruption reforms at the centre of his campaign, describing graft as the main drag on economic and social progress.

“Looting of the economy and corruption is why we cannot move forward. Anyone unwilling to end corruption cannot lead Kenya into greatness,” he decried.

He questioned the integrity and performance of current leadership, citing unfulfilled campaign pledges and public concern over alleged losses in government programmes.

Kigame called for merit-based appointments in key ministries including finance, agriculture and health, saying competence and integrity should override patronage and political loyalty.

“We have incompetent people in critical positions. We must end crony appointments and ensure professionalism and competence,” he emphasized.

A teacher by profession, Kigame said he has spent decades advocating for constitutional rights and social justice. He framed his presidential bid as an extension of that work.

“I am not asking for a political seat to steal. I want to change this country. If we find a leader willing to end corruption, implement the Constitution, and put people first, I am ready to step aside and go back to teaching,” he said.

Kigame ran as an independent candidate in the 2022 General Election after failing to secure party backing. He acknowledged the challenges he faced but said his current strategy focuses on grassroots mobilisation.

He disclosed that nine teams are operating across the country with a target of securing at least 20 per cent support at each polling station.

Framing his campaign around the values of utu, haki and maadili, Kigame urged voters to scrutinise candidates based on character, competence and record.

He maintained that Kenya has sufficient resources to end hunger and curb corruption, but said progress depends on disciplined planning, professional management and political will.