In a significant development for Kenya’s socio-economic future, Dr. Emmanuel K. Nzai has been appointed as the Chairman of the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board. The announcement, made through Gazette Notice number 8263, heralds a new chapter of leadership for the board, with Dr. Nzai set to serve a three-year term.
Dr. Nzai brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position, having previously served as the first Executive Officer of the Kenya Vision 2030 Secretariat from 2009 to 2012. His extensive background in public policy and economic development has made him a vital asset to the Vision 2030 initiative. As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JPK) Secretariat, he has been instrumental in driving socio-economic development across Kenya’s six coastal counties: Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, and Taita Taveta. Additionally, his advisory role in the Go Blue initiative underscores his commitment to promoting the blue economy in the coastal region.
Dr. Nzai’s academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems and Public Administration, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Shenandoah University in Virginia, USA. He also holds a Diploma in Business Administration from the Technical University of Mombasa. With over two decades of experience, his career is marked by his roles as an innovative C-suite executive, development economist, and public policy specialist. These roles have been pivotal in promoting sustainable economic growth and enhancing competitiveness in both the public and private sectors.
In his new role, Dr. Nzai will be guiding the Vision 2030 Delivery Board as Kenya strives to achieve its ambitious development goals. Vision 2030 is a comprehensive blueprint established in 2008, aimed at transforming Kenya into an upper-middle-income country by 2030. The vision is implemented through successive five-year Medium-Term Plans (MTPs), with the current phase, the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) for 2023-2027, focusing on inclusive growth and economic transformation through a value chain approach. This plan is aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and global commitments such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Union Agenda 2063.
The Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat, tasked with spearheading the implementation of Vision 2030, operates under the leadership and guidance of the Vision 2030 Delivery Board. This board plays a crucial policy-making and advisory role, setting targets, providing oversight, and evaluating the results achieved to ensure sustained progress towards the vision’s goals. The board is composed of various key figures, including:
- The Chairperson
- The Head of Public Service
- All Principal Secretaries
- Representatives from the Kenya Investment Authority, National Economic and Social Council, and Capital Markets Authority
- The Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya
- Seven private sector experts with relevant expertise and experience
Dr. Nzai’s appointment is a testament to his dedication and proven track record in promoting sustainable development and economic growth. Under his leadership, the Vision 2030 Delivery Board is expected to continue making strides towards transforming Kenya’s socio-economic landscape for the betterment of all its citizens.