27 days after President William Ruto fired all but one Cabinet Secretary, the political landscape has been dramatically reshaped with the National Assembly’s approval of 19 out of 20 Cabinet nominees on Wednesday, August 7.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
This move now signals a fresh start for the nation, which has been facing protests and unrest for slightly over a month. With a diverse Cabinet, President Ruto is aiming to foster inclusivity and unity.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah announced the committee’s decision, endorsing 19 of President Ruto’s 20 nominees. This significant development came as President Ruto pushed through his commitment to form a broad-based government, incorporating five members from Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to bridge political divides.
Stella Lang’at, nominated for the Gender docket, was the only nominee to face rejection. “Out of all the 21 nominees that were vetted, the committee considered for approval 20 and rejected only 1 nominee, Ms Stella Soi Lang’at, who had been nominated for the Ministry of Gender,” stated Ichung’wah.
The National Assembly voted in the majority in favour of the report, recommending the approval of 19 Cabinet Secretaries and rejecting one, paving the way for the reconstitution of the Cabinet. The House voted to reject the nomination of Stella Soi Lang’at.
The vetting process showcased active civic engagement, with the committee receiving 837 memoranda from the public. Out of these, 23 were hand-delivered, and 714 were submitted via email. Despite the large volume, only 181 met the legal requirements, while 656 submissions were non-compliant with affidavit standards.
Ichung’wah expressed gratitude for the public’s participation, highlighting its importance. “I must thank the many Kenyans who submitted this huge number of memoranda. It tells you that indeed public participation was not superfluous, was not for the sake of it. That Kenyans in their numbers did submit memoranda,” he remarked.
Several nominees faced scrutiny over their past records, with 163 affidavits contesting the appointment of 10 individuals previously dismissed from office.
Among the notable appointments is Professor Kindiki Kithure as Cabinet Secretary for Interior, a role pivotal to national security. Dr Deborah Barasa will lead the Health Ministry, tasked with navigating the nation through ongoing health challenges. Alice Wahome’s appointment to the Lands Ministry and Julius Migos Ogamba’s to the Education docket highlight the administration’s focus on critical sectors.
Soipan Tuya’s role as Defence CS and Andrew Karanja’s as Agriculture CS reflect strategic placements in sectors vital for national stability and food security. Aden Duale’s appointment as Environment CS and Eric Mureithi Mugaa’s as Water CS align with the administration’s environmental sustainability goals.
Infrastructure and digital transformation are in focus with Davis Chirchir’s role as Roads CS, Margaret Nyambura’s as ICT CS, and John Mbadi’s as Treasury CS. Salim Mvurya, Rebecca Miano, and Opiyo Wandayi will head Trade, Tourism, and Energy respectively, crucial for economic growth.
Youth affairs are entrusted to Kipchumba Murkomen, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to the younger generation. Hassan Joho’s Mining portfolio and Alfred Mutua’s Labour and Social Protection roles are vital in harnessing natural resources and protecting workers’ rights. Wycliffe Oparanya’s position in Cooperatives and Justin Muturi’s in Public Service round out a team tasked with enhancing public sector efficiency and economic cooperation.
This new Cabinet, a strategic blend of seasoned politicians and new faces, is poised to drive Kenya towards greater economic growth and social equity. As the appointees prepare to assume their roles, the nation anticipates an administration that listens and responds to their needs.
Kenyans are hopeful that this newly formed Cabinet, with its diverse and dynamic members, will steer the country towards a more prosperous and united future. The transformation marks a significant step in President Ruto’s vision for a progressive and inclusive Kenya...CONTINUE READING>>
