Kenya:Kalonzo Promises 24-Hour Economy if Elected President in 2027

By Samuel Ouma

Wiper Patriotic Font Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has pledged to establish a 24-hour economy if elected president in 2027, saying the plan will create millions of jobs and revitalize Kenya’s struggling economy.

Speaking at Uhuru Park during the Wiper Patriotic Front National Delegates Conference,  Musyoka said his administration would prioritize job creation, industrial growth, and youth empowerment through an economic model that ensures continuous productivity day and night.

“A 24-hour economy will transform Kenya into a nation of opportunities. We will open our factories, markets, and offices around the clock to create jobs for our youth and expand our industries,” said Kalonzo.

The former Vice President, who officially declared his bid for the presidency during the event, said his government would work with county governments and the private sector to make the 24-hour system feasible.

 He outlined plans to improve energy supply, security, and transport systems to support round-the-clock economic activities.

“To achieve this vision, my administration will ensure reliable electricity, better roads, improved lighting, and a secure environment for businesses to operate at any time of day or night,” he said.

Musyoka criticized President William Ruto’s administration for what he described as “mismanagement and over-taxation,” accusing it of frustrating small businesses and driving investors away.

 “Every day dawns with a new levy and a new heartbreak,” he said.

He said his proposed 24-hour economy would create space for both formal and informal sectors to thrive, particularly in manufacturing, retail, logistics, and digital services..

The Wiper leader also linked the plan to broader reforms in youth and women’s empowerment, saying that job creation must be anchored on fairness and opportunity.

“Professionalism, not Rutoism, will get you a job,” he declared.

Musyoka’s call for a 24-hour economy echoes similar policies implemented in parts of Asia, where round-the-clock industries have driven rapid growth and urban transformation. He said Kenya’s youthful population and growing urban centers make it ideal for such a shift.

The declaration marks one of Musyoka’s key economic pledges as he seeks to position himself as a viable challenger in the 2027 General Election. The Wiper Patriotic Front is expected to unveil a detailed manifesto outlining the framework for implementing the 24-hour economy in the coming months.