President William Ruto has made significant cabinet appointments that have the potential to bring experience, foster unity, and propel the nation forward.
President Ruto on Thursday, December 19 picked former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe as the Agriculture CS, and former Nakuru and Kiambu Governors Lee Kinyanjui and William Kabogo as Cabinet Secretaries for Trade and ICT, respectively.
Former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi has been named the Board Chair at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) while former Muranga senator Kembi Gitura will chair the board at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Research, and Referral Hospital.
Others brought on board in the broad-based arrangement after the ODM big shots include former Muranga governor Mwangi wa Iria and Peter Kenneth.
They now join ODM’s John Mbadi (Finance), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy) and Wycliffe Oparanya (MSMEs and Cooperative Development).
One of the most noteworthy aspects of President Ruto’s broad-based Cabinet appointments is the emphasis on experience.
Many of the newly appointed ministers have held previous governmental positions or have substantial backgrounds in public service.
This wealth of experience is crucial for navigating the complex challenges facing Kenya today, including economic recovery post-COVID-19, infrastructure development, and enhancing national security.
The team is better equipped to make primed decisions and implement policies effectively.
The inclusion of seasoned politicians and technocrats suggests a strategic move towards stabilising the government and ensuring continuity in policy implementation.
Kenya has faced divisive elections all the electoral cycles. The importance of unity within the country cannot be overemphasised.
Our country is often divided along ethnic and political lines. The President's appointments now reflect a commitment to inclusivity.
The choice of members of the cabinet from diverse backgrounds and regions, the president has created a sense of belonging among all Kenyans.
Regions that once felt left out are now included and part of the governance structure.
Unity is essential for national cohesion and progress. The new cabinet now fosters collaboration and reduces tensions that have arisen from perceived marginalisation.
This not only strengthens governance but also enhances public trust in government institutions.
The President's appointments were not just about filling positions; they were about steering Kenya towards a brighter future.
The challenges ahead—such as economic inequality, youth unemployment, and climate change—require innovative solutions and strong leadership.
The new cabinet members are expected to bring fresh ideas and perspectives that can drive transformative policies.
I strongly believe that with this mix of experience and unity among leaders, Kenya can tackle these pressing issues head-on.
I strongly urge collective efforts from both the government and citizens to support these initiatives for sustainable development.
Let us not look at the coming elections and the possible formations that come with them but focus on the transformation of the country and the implementation of the agenda that the President promised Kenyans.
Sam Nyamweya, MBS, is the FKF President Emeritus.