The Kenya Reform Party (KRP) has announced Ndiritu Muriithi as its party leader, unveiling a comprehensive 7-pillar manufacturing agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election. The announcement was made during the party's National Delegates Conference at Ufungamano House in Nairobi. Muriithi, a former Laikipia Governor and Kenya Revenue Authority Chairman, outlined the party's economic programme centred on manufacturing, mass production, value addition, and job creation. The party aims to establish and expand industrial parks in all 47 counties.
The 7-pillar manufacturing agenda includes a mass production economy, value addition of natural resources, industrialisation and manufacturing, industrial energy, agriculture as a source of industrial inputs, integrity and wealth, and protection of local industries. Muriithi stated that the party would create a Sh150 billion market-led mass production fund to support production and reduce the cost of credit. The party also plans to establish production hubs at ward level and promote the local manufacture of machines, equipment, and tools needed by businesses.
The value-addition pillar proposes processing Kenyan resources locally, including hides, skins, and agricultural products. Technical and vocational education and training institutions would be developed into production centres. On energy, the party aims to reduce electricity costs for manufacturers to make local enterprises more competitive. The agriculture pillar proposes treating farming and livestock production as sources of industrial raw materials, alongside increased mechanisation.
The party also wants action against import-based corruption cartels and incentives for companies investing in research and development. The final pillar proposes protection for local industries and indigenous enterprises, including measures against the dumping of imported goods. Muriithi stated that the party would seek smart protection for local industry, supporting manufacturing and indigenous enterprises.
The Kenya Reform Party's roots go back to February 22, 2016, when it was registered as Diligence Development Alliance (DDA). The party changed its name to Kenya Reform Party in January 2022. DDA contested the 2017 General Election, securing 10,610 votes in the National Assembly party-list tally but no parliamentary seat. Party records show that its leadership changed several times during its early years.
Lawrence Munene Kahiro had taken over as chairperson by November 2021, shortly before the party changed its name and identity to KRP. Kahiro led the party's public relaunch in February 2022, presenting KRP as a production-driven political organisation focused on industrialisation, locally assembled machinery, job creation, and economic reforms. The party became one of the constituent parties of the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party, whose coalition agreement was registered in April 2022.
At the National Delegates Conference, Kahiro stated that the party's objective was to transform Kenya into a fully industrialised, self-reliant, and prosperous nation by 2035. The party aims to establish industrial parks, create a mass production fund, and enable women, youth, and persons with disabilities to acquire equipment for productive enterprises. Delegates authorised the party leader and National Executive Committee to pursue partnerships and coalitions with political forces that share KRP's manufacturing and reform agenda.
Key points
- Ndiritu Muriithi unveiled as Kenya Reform Party leader ahead of 2027 General Election
- Party unveils 7-pillar manufacturing agenda to drive economic growth and job creation
- KRP aims to transform Kenya into a fully industrialised, self-reliant, and prosperous nation by 2035
