Key Government Shake-Up: CSs Mbadi and Wahome Make Major Changes

Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi and Land CS Alice Wahome have announced key changes within their ministries. The Gazette Notice dated September 6, 2024, reveals a series of appointments and dismissals designed to rejuvenate their respective teams amid growing public scrutiny.

Treasury Ministry Changes

CS John Mbadi has made sweeping changes to the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST), a crucial national pension scheme supporting informal sector workers. The move comes as part of an effort to bolster the effectiveness of this program, which has faced criticism for inefficiencies.

Four officials have been dismissed from their positions as trustees of the Trust: Martha Opisa Okochil, Louis Karisa, Ruth Jerotich, and Tom Okundi. Their removal reflects the government’s commitment to addressing concerns about the management of the Trust.

In their stead, Mbadi has appointed four new trustees, each representing key stakeholders within the informal sector. The new appointees are:

Irene Githiga from the Federation of Matatu Drivers and Conductors Association
Kevin Bwire Mubadi from the Kenya National Boda Boda Association
Joseph Kisoro Ogola from the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Association
Teresia Njenga from the Mitumba Association

These new members will serve for a term of three years, effective immediately. Their appointments signal a renewed focus on integrating voices from critical sectors directly into the management of the Trust.

Interestingly, of the officials dismissed, Ruth Jerotich and Tom Okundi have been swiftly reassigned by Health CS Deborah Barasa to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council. Their new roles will see them contribute to the council’s efforts for the next three years, reflecting a strategy of leveraging experienced personnel across different government departments.

Louis Karisa has been appointed by Public Service CS Justin Muturi to the Women Enterprise Fund Advisory Board. This role will also span three years, indicating a strategic deployment of experienced individuals to enhance women-focused initiatives.

Land Ministry Changes

CS Alice Wahome has also enacted significant changes within her ministry, specifically targeting the Lamu West Land Control Board. The eight officials who were dismissed include:

Julia Wamboi Njuguna
Ali Omar Mohammed
Simon Muguro Mwarania
Julia Wamaitha Kimani
John Mbugua Njoka
Zeinabu Gobu Wako
James Muriithi Ngiriri
Cecilia Wanjiku Ng’ang’a

These dismissals are part of a broader effort to address inefficiencies and streamline land administration processes in the region. The new members appointed to the board are:

Samoe Farouk Fadhil, County Physical Planner
Moses Kiarie Wanjiku
Omar Bakari Ibrahim
Nasra Abdurehman Omar
Biha Wanje Baya
Maalim Fadhili Maalim
Abubakar Masoud Rashid

These replacements will serve a term of 2 years and 6 months. The appointment of these new members underscores the government’s commitment to rejuvenating land management practices in Lamu West.

Political Context

These changes come against the backdrop of growing public dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s administration, exacerbated by recent nationwide protests. The reshuffles in the Treasury and Land ministries reflect an attempt to address these concerns by injecting fresh perspectives and enhancing operational efficiency.

As the Kenya Kwanza regime faces mounting pressure to fulfill its promises, these strategic appointments and dismissals represent a critical step in recalibrating government operations. The success of these changes will likely be scrutinized closely by both the public and political analysts, with the aim of demonstrating a tangible improvement in service delivery and governance.