Is Uhuru’s new team good enough to secure his desired legacy?

During the swearing-in of the nine new Cabinet secretaries, President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is serving his second and final term, sounded tough as he warned ministers to deliver or ship out. He innovated in creating the position of Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), which in reality is Cabinet Assistant Secretary or assistant minister. The innovation, long overdue given the demands in some ministries, serves delivery and political purposes.

Those to deliver are in two interlinked categories, international and domestic. Uhuru’s desire to promote his international and Pan African vision is clear in the appointments. The foreign affairs and trade, the flagship in world affairs, is under a certified intellectual, Monica Juma, who can mount strong arguments for Kenya with anyone anywhere. Her performance benchmark would be Munyua Waiyaki, if she can pass past Robert Ouko.