Kenya launches the Race to 2030 with renewed urgency on financing and partnerships

Kenya has launched the national Race to 2030 campaign, signalling a strengthened push to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a time when global momentum continues to decline and financing challenges intensify.

The campaign was launched during the opening of the 2025 National SDGs Multi-Stakeholder Conference, where Principal Secretary for Economic Planning Dr Boniface Makokha called for stronger coordination, better data and deeper partnerships to guide the final stretch to 2030. He noted that global progress on the SDGs remains off track, with only 35% of SDG targets progressing as planned, and emphasised the need for action grounded in evidence.

Our national effort must be data-driven, people-focused and result-oriented

“Our national effort must be data-driven, people-focused and result-oriented,” stated PS Dr Boniface Makokha. “Without timely and reliable data, we cannot implement programmes effectively, we cannot measure impact honestly and we cannot see the communities who risk being left behind.”

The conference convened national and county government officials, the United Nations, civil society organisations, youth groups, private sector actors and development partners. Across these groups, there was consensus that Kenya must strengthen financing pathways that are predictable, inclusive and aligned with local needs. Dr Makokha noted the importance of emerging global reforms and reiterated Kenya’s commitment to transparent and accountable financing mechanisms. He also underlined the importance of collaboration. “The private sector remains a critical partner, not only for financing but for technological innovation and scalable solutions.”

UN Resident Coordinator Dr Stephen Jackson contextualised Kenya’s effort within global dynamics, noting that conflict, economic pressures and climate impacts continue to slow worldwide progress. “Only thirty five percent of SDG targets are on track, nearly half are moving too slowly and eighteen percent are reversing,” he said.

The RC called for acceleration through six essential transitions: food systems, energy, digital connectivity, education, jobs and social protection and climate and biodiversity. He also reaffirmed a central SDG principle. “Progress is not measured by national averages but by how we change the lives of those furthest behind.”

Progress is not measured by national averages but by how we change the lives of those furthest behind.

Hon Rehema Jaldesa, Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission, underscored the need to address barriers that limit participation and opportunity. She stressed that Kenya cannot accelerate without addressing entrenched inequalities. “Development is only as strong as it is inclusive,” stated Hon. Rehema, noting that exclusion slows national progress and widens disparities. She urged for gender responsive budgeting, accountability across institutions and meaningful participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities. “Large segments of the population remain excluded from participation and where inequality exists, national progress slows.”

Private sector representatives echoed the need for collective responsibility. KEPSA’s Dr Jackson Koimburi emphasised that sustainable development requires practical partnerships and strategic alignment. “The SDGs targets cannot be achieved by the government alone. That is why we have a multistakeholder approach with the government, the private sector and donors,” he said.

The Race to 2030 campaign will guide national efforts in the coming years, with the conference expected to produce a refined roadmap on financing, partnerships and accountability. The United Nations confirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya through the Cooperation Framework and to working with all partners to accelerate progress that reaches communities across the country.

With five years remaining, Kenya enters the Race to 2030 with a renewed focus on partnership, inclusion and evidence and a commitment to ensure that no one is left behind.