THE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR ECONOMIC PLANNING UNVEILS KENYA ECONOMIC PLANNING DRAFT POLICY ANCHORED ON SECTOR DRIVEN GROWTH

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Economic Planning (SDEP) Dr. Bonface Makokha today, Wednesday, 20th May, 2026 held a meeting with the Council of Economic Advisors of the President and representative of the Head of Public Service and Directors of Planning from various MDAs in Nairobi.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the draft Kenya Economic Planning Policy, marking a shift towards a more structured, sector-driven planning approach aimed at strengthening the Country’s long-term economic development framework.

The policy shall establish a unified and legally coherent framework to guide national and county planning processes. This draft Policy, if approved is designed to anchor Kenya’s economic development on evidence-based, coordinated and results-oriented planning across all sectors of government.

Speaking during the meeting, PS Makokha said," The policy responds to Kenya’s evolving economic realities, rising development pressures and global uncertainties."

He further emphasized that Kenya continues to face shifting global economic conditions, climate risks and domestic pressures on jobs, food security and public services.

"The policy shall provide a robust planning tool to address current challenges if implemented, it will also anticipate future risks and position the nation for sustained, inclusive and resilient growth”. PS Makokha added.

Additionally, this draft Economic Planning Policy also aims at creating a shift to sector-driven planning, it shall move away from fragmented, project-based planning towards a sector-led model.

Under the new approach, Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Counties shall be required to align their strategies, budgets and monitoring systems to clearly define sector priorities linked to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTPIV).

Key features of the policy include: Legal and institutional clarity, defining roles for National and County Governments in the Planning process, Integrated Planning and Budgeting, Strengthening the link between planning documents, County Integrated Development Plans (CIPDs) and the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, Evidence and Data use mandating the use of statistics, monitoring and evaluation data and policy analysis in decision-making, Public Participation Institutionalizing structured engagement with citizens, private sector and civil society at all planning stages.

This draft policy when finalised shall be critical in reducing duplication, improving coordination and ensuring that public resources are directed towards programs with measurable impact.

The draft policy shall be subjected to further public and stakeholder engagement and consultations before being submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

Present during the meeting were: the Chair of the Council of Presidential Economic Advisors, Dr. David Ndii, the Economic Planning Director General, Dr. Masini Ichwara, the Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat Ag. Director General, Mr James Maina, Heads of PPMC on MDAS among others.