By MKT Reporter
Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has formally declared his candidature for the 2027 presidential election, unveiling an ambitious and far-reaching political, economic and governance agenda that seeks to fundamentally reset Kenya’s social contract.
Framed under the banner ‘Dawn: It Is, People – Economy First’, the proposals position Wanjigi as a candidate seeking to challenge the prevailing political and economic order with a people-centred alternative anchored on economic sovereignty, social justice and democratic renewal.
Safina, formally known as the Party for Economic and Social Advancement (Safina-PESA), says the declaration marks a historic turning point not just for the party but for Kenya’s future, arguing that the country stands at the brink of a major political and economic rupture.
A New Political Order: From Ethnic Coalitions to Ideas and Vision
At the heart of Wanjigi’s message is a sharp critique of Kenya’s traditional political culture, which he describes as outdated, divisive and incapable of delivering meaningful change.
He argues that the era of identity politics, ethnic kingpins, patronage networks and establishment “divide-and-rule” politics is collapsing under the weight of demographic shifts, global change and the rise of a politically conscious younger generation.
According to Safina, the Gen Z-led democratic awakening has shifted the centre of gravity of Kenyan politics, signalling the beginning of the end for ethnicity-driven alliances.
In their place, Wanjigi proposes a new politics grounded in ideas, issues and measurable delivery. Leadership, he argues, must be based on competence, capability and clarity of vision, not ethnic arithmetic.
Safina positions itself as a home for courageous and visionary leadership, symbolised by “The Ark” — a metaphor for stability amid turbulence and abundance after struggle. The party says Kenya has a rare opportunity to reimagine itself and redefine its place in a rapidly changing, competitive and multipolar global order.
Economic Freedom as the New Liberation Struggle
Central to Wanjigi’s campaign is the assertion that while Kenya achieved political independence, true economic independence was never realised. He draws parallels with the Mau Mau struggle, noting that land and freedom were its twin pillars; yet economic liberation was left unfinished.
Safina argues that political freedoms alone have failed to transform the material conditions of ordinary Kenyans.
As a result, the party is calling for a new economic freedom struggle focused on dignity, opportunity and social mobility. This vision includes restructuring and democratizing the economy to reduce inequality, expand opportunity and guarantee economic rights.
A key pillar of this agenda is economic sovereignty
Wanjigi proposes a dramatic shift in fiscal and financial policy, including a firm “debt brake” to halt runaway borrowing.
His plan includes suspending and cancelling repayment of any unconstitutional or illegal debt pending a comprehensive forensic audit, with the aim of freeing capital, lowering credit costs and stimulating entrepreneurship.
Wanjigi presents a radical economic transformation to make Kenya an economic crucible of possibilities and infinite opportunities, saying it will require to lead with vision, innovate with purpose, and grow with equity.
He proposes that competitiveness, innovation, entrepreneurialism, and dynamic supportive ecosystem will be the fundamental drivers of people’s economy.
Safina also proposes strict adherence to constitutional fiscal discipline, balancing budgets, limiting deficits and aligning public spending with economic growth.
On taxation, Wanjigi promises sweeping reforms, including repealing VAT and replacing it with a sales tax capped below 10 percent, simplifying the tax code and reducing regulatory burdens to stimulate domestic demand, investment and innovation.
Social Transformation: Education, Health, Food and Housing
Wanjigi’s agenda places heavy emphasis on human development as the foundation of productivity and national prosperity. Safina proposes free basic education and subsidised university and technical education, backed by major investments in modern school infrastructure, digital learning platforms and open-source educational materials. Teachers’ welfare and continuous training would be strengthened to reflect their central role in development.
In healthcare, Safina advances a radical shift by declaring health a public good rather than a commodity.
The party proposes tax-funded, free universal healthcare supported by a simplified national health insurance system to guarantee equal access. Improved pay and working conditions for healthcare workers are framed as essential to service quality.
Food security is elevated to the level of national security, with Safina pledging to pursue food sovereignty and self-sufficiency.
The crucial small-scale farmers would receive targeted support through access to capital, technology, innovation, organised supply chains and fair returns.
On housing and land, Wanjigi calls for land reforms to ensure affordable, well-located and serviced land, coupled with private-sector-driven housing solutions focused on affordability, social housing, legal security and low-cost financing.
Green Industrialisation, Energy Security and Democratic Governance
Safina’s economic vision hinges on an aggressive green industrial policy designed to reverse stagnation in manufacturing and agriculture.
Wanjigi proposes leveraging shifting global supply chains to build competitive, high-value industries driven by technology, innovation and research.
The policy prioritises local production, self-reliance and interconnected industrial ecosystems that lower costs and boost productivity.
Energy security is identified as a cornerstone of industrialisation. Safina plans to position Kenya as a regional clean energy powerhouse by fully exploiting geothermal, solar, wind and hydrogen resources.
A comprehensive long-term legal and policy framework would guide investments, regulation and utilisation, with the aim of making Kenya energy secure and a major green energy exporter.
On governance, Wanjigi calls for a lean, enabling and facilitative state rooted in the sovereignty of the people, the Constitution and people centred democratic institutions.
He proposes dismantling the colonial administrative system and replacing it with democratically elected self-governance structures. Policing would be devolved, subject to local civilian oversight and democratic control.
Strict ethical standards would apply to public service, with a clear separation between public office and private business. A strong rule of law and a better clean governance system is the linchpin for economic prosperity. Safina promises tough deterrence measures against corruption and abuse of office.
A Global Outlook Anchored in National Interest
In foreign policy, Wanjigi advocates a pragmatic, interest-driven approach that prioritises economic security, trade, technology and strategic partnerships. Safina says Kenya must project its values and interests confidently in the evolving global order while expanding its economic and diplomatic influence for the benefit of citizens and businesses.
“Together, We Reset Kenya”
In his declaration, Wanjigi calls on workers, farmers, youth, entrepreneurs and professionals to take ownership of what he describes as a generational mission.
He insists this is not merely a party campaign but a national struggle for Kenya’s soul and future.
Safina presents itself as the vehicle for this transformation; “the Ark of prosperity and greatness” promising not just to speak about change, but to deliver it.
“We reset Kenya,” the party declares, “not for ourselves, but for generations yet unborn.”
Jerameel Kevins Owuor Odhiambo