Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru reports to work

By Standard Digital Reporter

Nairobi, Kenya: Cabinet Secretary Devolution and Planning Anne Waiguru formally took office this morning, a day after she was sworn into office.

The Cabinet Secretary was received at her new office in the Treasury Building by Permanent Secretary Dr. Edward Sambili.

In brief remarks she made while assuming office, Ms. Waiguru said that she was honoured to serve in the new capacity, noting that the Ministry was key in ensuring that the Government under the leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta achieves its objectives for the benefit of all Kenyans.

The Cabinet Secretary said that she was in the process of receiving comprehensive briefs on the overall planning docket from Permanent Secretary Dr. Sambili, and was scheduled to hold similar sessions with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government Prof. Karega Mutahi in view of the new government structure that combined the devolution and planning mandates, effectively assigning the Ministry a wider role. These discussions, she noted, would facilitate the prioritizing of assignments and ensure focus as the Ministry embarks on its new mandate.

Ms. Waiguru observed however that there would be need for re-organization of the Ministry as with other government departments and dockets to guarantee effective delivery, adding that she looked forward to meeting other staff with whom she will serve in the Ministry.

As she takes on her new responsibility, Kenyans will be looking to Ms. Waiguru to fulfill high expectations based on her previous performance during her tenure at the Finance Ministry and particularly the central role she played in initiating the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) that enhanced the government’s capacity to curb fraud in public spending.