Kenya Kwanza highlights key milestones as CSs set to face Ruto

President William Ruto speaks during a consultative meeting in Naivasha, Nakuru County. [William Ruto/X]

Cabinet Secretaries are set to face President William Ruto on Tuesday during the second day of the retreat, armed with an reports detailing their achievements, commitments, and challenges encountered in the first year of their tenure.

The 129-page document, titled "The Executive Brief," obtained exclusively by The Standard, offers a comprehensive overview of the government's performance across various ministries.

The report reveals that CSs collectively achieved 176 milestones and made 186 commitments during their inaugural year in office.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is in charge of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, highlighted substantial achievements, including a 13 per cent increase in diaspora remittances to USD 1.073 billion in Q3 of the year 2023 and the acquisition of 15 diplomatic properties abroad.

Under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, CS Kindiki Kithure emphasised accomplishments in security, humanitarian support, and infrastructure development. Notable achievements included the completion of major projects such as the Naivasha maize milling plant and the infrastructure for seed potato production at Nyandarua GK Prisons.

Defence CS Aden Duale underscored the Ministry's success in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, defending the country across land, air, maritime, and cyber domains. The report says the Ministry also contributed to public health by completing eight county health facilities for the Ministry of Health in the last one year.

In economic matters, the National Treasury and Economic Planning, led by Prof Ndung'u Njuguna, reported successful decentralisation of mining services, the establishment of value addition centres, and currency and market reforms. The country experienced consistent economic growth, with the GDP expanding from 4.8 per cent in 2022 to an average of 5.6 per cent in the first three quarters of 2023.

Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management CS Moses Kuria has in the brief highlighted the increase in citizens served through Huduma Centres and commitments to re-engineering the National Youth Service (NYS) for self-reliance.

Transport CS Kipchumba Mukomen's notable achievements are in increasing passenger and cargo transport on various modes, along with a commitment to construct 6,000 kilometres of tarmacked roads nationwide by 2027.

Lands CS Alice Wahome, reports about achievements in processing title deeds and creating jobs in affordable housing. Commitments include creating 750,000 affordable houses by 2027 and digitising 200,000 title deeds.

In the Health docket, Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha Wafula reports expanding universal health coverage to 41 counties and reducing malaria incidence. Commitments include achieving a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:5000 and expanding UHC to all counties.

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu highlighted the recruitment of additional teachers and increased enrollment in school meal programs. Commitments include constructing new classrooms, expanding school meal programmes, and increasing TVET trainer recruitment.

In Agriculture, CS Linturi Mithika reports increased maize production and exports, along with commitments to increase smallholder farmer earnings and create jobs in the leather sector.

The Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, headed by Rebbecca Miano, reported increased export value and facilitation of investments. Commitments include doubling exports' contribution to GDP and increasing manufacturing's contribution.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, under Soipan Tuya reports achievements including hosting the Africa Climate Summit and developing seed centers. Commitments include successfully hosting the Africa Climate Summit annually and growing 100 million trees annually.

Tourism CS Alfred Mutua cited increased tourism revenue and tourist arrivals, with commitments to review the National Tourism Policy and complete ongoing projects.

ICT and the Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo highlighted 7.3 per cent growth in the ICT sector in Q3 of 2023. Commitments include creating 180,000 digital jobs in 2024, expanding digital infrastructure, achieving 100 per cent connectivity in urban and rural areas, and enhancing government communication.

Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation CS Zachary Njeru reported increased national water coverage and reduced non-revenue water. Commitments involve increasing water coverage and rolling out smart metres.

Energy Minister Davis Chirchir cited increased electricity generation capacity and the electrification of public facilities. Commitments include electrifying the Galana Kulalu Irrigation Project and connecting Lodwar to the National Grid. Chirchir is silent about frequent power outages that has hit the whole country since last evening leaving a trail of loses and even death.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, under Florence Bore, reported certification and accreditation of workers and increased NSSF membership. Commitments include better coordination among labour migration stakeholders and improving social protection programmes.

"The Executive Brief" sets the stage for a comprehensive discussion during the Naivasha retreat.

The brief stated that President Ruto is expected to provide guidance and direction for the government's second year in office based on the outcomes of the retreat.