President William Ruto has said that the East African Community and Regional Affairs Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul has a responsibility not just to Kenya.
He said Askul’s responsibilities will extend to partner states, as she will also be an ex-officio member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Ruto said he was confident in Askul’s leadership skills, even as she took on her new role.
“To my sister Beatrice. I have known you for 20 years and know you are an astute leader. You have my confidence as you serve the people of Kenya in your new responsibility," Ruto said.
“You have a responsibility not just to us as Kenya but to our brothers and sisters in the East African Community as well.”
Ruto spoke shortly after Askul took the oath of office at State House, Nairobi.
The President went on to say that a lot will be expected of the new CS and her colleagues from EAC partner states.
Ruto said Askul will be tasked with unlocking the business potential of the EAC country, noting it is the biggest market for Kenyan products.
“East Africa is the biggest market for Kenyan products. The East African Community (EAC) is the most progressive in the African continent.
"A lot will be expected of you and your colleagues from the other partner states as you shepherd and steer this community to harness the collective potential of the 300 million people in the East African Community for the progress and expansion of business enterprise investment and unlocking of the tremendous potential that exists in this region as the world moves towards regional blocks and investment entrepreneurship business takes lead as the new tools of governance and informing political orientation,” Ruto said on Tuesday.
Askul is one of the five Orange Democratic Movement officials who relinquished their party positions to take up Cabinet jobs.
The others are Hassan Joho (Mining), John Mbadi (National Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).
Askul was approved by the National Assembly last week, after vetting by the Committee on Appointments.
She took the oath of office alongside the new Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor.
