Mwelekeo TV presents itself as a platform that turns research and data into conversations that ordinary Kenyans can understand, and one of its recent features brings out a detailed discussion with Soita Wafula on the country’s future economy.
The platform, which is linked to Mwelekeo Insights, focuses on making public opinion and research findings more accessible through interviews and discussions that touch on governance, culture, youth issues, and national development.
In the interview hosted by Mercy Otieno, Wafula opens up about his personal journey and how it has shaped his thinking. He traces his roots to Shamoni village in Kakamega County, where he was born to Sita Namunu and Lady Consol Katami. His early life was affected by the 2007 to 2008 post election violence, an experience that left a strong impression on him and influenced how he views leadership and community.
When his family later moved to Nairobi in 2009, he struggled to adjust in school due to challenges in his early education.
He repeated some classes and began to question why the system seemed unequal for many children.
Despite these setbacks, Wafula showed determination during his time at Maseno School in Kisumu County between 2015 and 2019. He actively participated in school life and even contested for the position of school captain in 2018, though he lost under circumstances he felt were not fair.
Even so, he completed his studies as the valedictorian in 2019, using that moment to encourage others to believe in their potential and work toward improving society.
After high school, he joined the University of Nairobi where he studied economics and statistics. His time at the university was marked by involvement in leadership and co curricular activities, including roles in the Christian Union and a debate club.
He also founded the Club of Global Future African Stars in 2018, aiming to promote Kenyan talent beyond the country.
Later, he focused on financial independence by teaching history and launching the Ten Miles Ahead initiative in 2021, which trained over 200 students in academic writing and entrepreneurship.
Not all his efforts succeeded, as one business venture failed after family resources were lost, but he says this helped him better understand his purpose.
The main focus of the discussion is his Ten Miles Ahead Vision 2035, which outlines a plan for Kenya to grow into a knowledge based economy. Wafula explains that the country needs to connect education with real production and global opportunities.
He proposes the creation of one million innovation communities that would link schools and industries, allowing young people to gain practical skills and contribute to sectors like technology and agriculture.
He also points out weaknesses in the current education system, especially its focus on exams rather than skills.
He calls for reforms that promote critical thinking, mastery, and the ability to work with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Drawing from examples in countries such as China, he suggests that Kenya should rethink how education is delivered, including making it more accessible and aligned with the job market.
Wafula introduces the idea of a Civilizational Flywheel, where education leads to innovation, which then leads to production and global competitiveness.
He emphasizes the importance of values and the principle of Ubuntu, which promotes unity and shared progress.
He also highlights the need for dialogue between generations, pointing to plans for an Intergenerational Conclave in 2026 to address governance and the country’s future.
Through his reflections, Wafula stresses resilience and the importance of identity. He believes that Kenya can build a stronger future by focusing on its human capital and encouraging young people to take part in shaping policies and solutions.
Mwelekeo TV continues to create space for such discussions, bringing forward voices and ideas that encourage thoughtful engagement with the country’s direction.
