Speaking at a recent event hosted by the Institute of Public Finance, Nyakang'o downplayed the feasibility of the "Singapore dream," arguing that it remains unattainable amid persistent disconnects between optimistic fiscal projections and harsh ground realities faced by ordinary Kenyans.
She highlighted how government revenue forecasts and spending plans often fail to align with actual economic conditions, including high public debt, revenue shortfalls, and widespread poverty.
The CoB emphasized that Singapore's success was built on strict fiscal discipline, zero tolerance for corruption, massive investments in education and infrastructure, and a highly efficient public service elements currently lacking or undermined in Kenya.
Nyakang'o pointed to ongoing challenges like ballooning wage bills, unapproved expenditures, and inefficiencies in resource allocation as major barriers.
She warned that without genuine reforms to bridge these gaps, lofty aspirations risk becoming mere rhetoric rather than achievable goals.
Her remarks come against the backdrop of repeated CoB reports flagging irregular spending, including unauthorized withdrawals and excesses in areas like travel and hospitality under the current administration.
Critics see this as evidence of fiscal indiscipline that directly contradicts the disciplined model Ruto often cites.
Nyakang'o's intervention adds to growing scrutiny of the government's economic roadmap, especially as Kenya grapples with IMF-mandated austerity measures and public demands for better service delivery.
While Ruto has championed bottom-up transformation and digital economy growth to emulate Singapore's leap, the CoB's candid assessment underscores the need for realistic, accountable planning over aspirational promises.
This critique from an independent constitutional office holder serves as a stark reminder that dreams of first-world status require more than vision they demand rigorous adherence to fiscal prudence and transparency.