New Uhuru Cabinet signals it’s time to move on

President Uhuru Kenyatta when he addressed the nation on Cabinet re-organization at State House, Nairobi [File, Standard]

After a long wait, President Kenyatta finally named his Cabinet. The list of men and women he hopes to work with in this second term to deliver his legacy agenda. Many things can be said about the President’s choices. In this column, I want to focus on three key items highlighting what the President will be better able to deliver during this term compared to the last one.

For one, President Kenyatta has recognised that professional competency maybe important for high positions of leadership but it is hardly adequate – political aptitude is critical. By augmenting the leadership of ministries with the position of ‘Chief Administrative Secretary’ he has created, he will be better able to balance both demands. In his speech, the President said these new officers will help the Cabinet Secretaries coordinate affairs within their ministries. Obviously, this is not clear enough - subsequent documentation clarifying their role will be critical. Further, it should not escape our attention, that many of those nominated to this position are politicians.