In a powerful new episode of Fa Mambo Africa, Justina Wamae delivers a sobering message to Kenya’s leadership and citizens alike: Kenyans no longer want to merely survive—they want to thrive.
Speaking with Sarah Mwangi, Justina Wamae—the 2022 presidential running mate turned champion for economic democracy—unpacks the systemic failures that have kept Kenya economically stagnant. Her message is clear: it’s time to stop glorifying political handouts and start implementing sustainable, inclusive policies that create real opportunities.
“The government should stop being the single largest employer. We need the private sector to thrive so that more opportunities, innovation, and efficiency come through,” says Wamae.
Why Bottom-Up Has Failed
Wamae criticizes President Ruto’s administration for abandoning the very economic model it campaigned on—bottom-up empowerment. “We voted for bottom-up, not just a person,” she says. Instead of stimulating economic growth, the state is entrenching dependency through short-term handouts and politically driven appointments.
“Kenyans want jobs, fair access to capital, and dignity—not beans and wheelbarrows,” she notes.
Her Economic Vision for Kenya
Wamae proposes a revolution in economic thinking, anchored in three major transformations:
- Order the disorder in Kenya’s factors of production—land, capital, labor, and entrepreneurship.
- Rethink county financing by funding income-generating projects rather than just salaries.
- Privatize essential services sustainably, allowing Kenyans to own and profit from public infrastructure.
She also calls for reforming the Auditor General’s powers, more transparency in debt registers, and making public offices accessible without corruption or connections.
Gen Z, Protests & Police Brutality
Reflecting on Kenya’s recent protests, Wamae condemns the weaponization of goons and rogue police against peaceful demonstrators. “Kenyans are not on the streets for drama. They’re demanding economic liberation,” she asserts. She urges junior police officers to resist unconstitutional orders and calls for protective unions that allow them to work with integrity.
Political Leadership & 2027
Wamae is not done with politics. She confirms she will run in 2027 and is building a single-issue ideology around economic democracy. She hopes to be a real alternative—not just opposition. Her vision includes a parliament of fresh thinkers, not recycled leaders.
“We need fewer political parties and more people-centered ideologies. Kenyans must stop voting tribe. Start voting vision,” she says.
Foreign Policy & Africa’s Future
Asked about international alignment, Wamae supports a non-aligned but interest-driven foreign policy. “We must work with any country that respects Kenya’s sovereignty and benefits our people,” she adds.
Her Ideal Kenya?
“A Kenya where you don’t need to beg, bribe, or know someone to access services,” she says. “Remove what stops people from growing—Kenyans will thrive naturally.”
Watch the full interview here:
🎥 Justina Wamae on Thriving, Not Surviving
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