Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary. It marked an unprecedented phase in the country’s governance when he was tasked with overseeing all government ministries following President William Ruto’s decision to dissolve his entire Cabinet. In a Special Gazette Notice dated July 12, President Ruto retained only Mudavadi while declaring the rest of the Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney General dismissed.
This extraordinary move made Mudavadi the de facto leader of every ministry, an experience he describes as “historic” and one destined to feature prominently in his memoirs. “It’s not every day that one is entrusted with such a monumental responsibility,” he reflected, adding that the year would be one for the history books.
A Multidimensional Leadership Role
Mudavadi highlighted the strides made in the ministries of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Interior and National Coordination. His tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saw groundbreaking achievements, including the development of Kenya’s first-ever Foreign Policy Sessional Paper. “For the first time in Kenya’s history, we will table this paper in Parliament. It is a milestone in making diplomacy more accessible to the public,” he said.
By celebrating 60 years of Kenyan diplomacy, Mudavadi spearheaded initiatives that opened the traditionally exclusive ministry to public participation, aligning with constitutional demands. “This gave Kenyans a deeper insight into how the ministry operates and its impact on their lives,” he noted.
At the Interior Ministry, Mudavadi praised Kenya’s security teams, acknowledging their unsung contributions to maintaining national safety. “They’ve done a tremendous job, though it’s often overlooked,” he emphasized.
Challenges That Shook the Nation
However, 2024 was not without its challenges. Mudavadi lamented the hijacking of constitutional processes, particularly the right to protest, which spiraled into anarchy. He expressed profound disappointment over the unprecedented invasion of Parliament during protests a stark deviation from Kenya’s history of political dissent.
“This was a new low. Even in the most turbulent times, such as the struggle for multiparty democracy or the post-election violence of 2007/8, Parliament was never invaded,” he said.
Another tough moment was the rejection of the Finance Bill, an event with far-reaching implications. The withdrawal of the bill disrupted government operations and had severe economic repercussions.
Memorable Highlights
Despite the hurdles, 2024 also had its highlights. Mudavadi fondly recounted a state visit to the United States with President William Ruto, marking the first African state visit to the U.S. in 20 years. “It was significant on many fronts,” he explained. The delegation’s interactions with the Kenyan diaspora, particularly in Atlanta and Washington, were equally impactful.
Another standout moment was the event centered around Kenya’s Generation Z in June. “It was a unique opportunity to engage with the youth, hear their concerns, and discuss the future of our country,” he shared.
Looking Ahead
As 2024 draws to a close, Mudavadi’s reflections underscore his resilience and adaptability in the face of an extraordinary political and administrative journey. From spearheading reforms to weathering unprecedented challenges, the year has been a defining chapter in his career.
“It has been a year of growth, learning, and historic milestones,” Mudavadi concluded, emphasizing the importance of unity and forward-thinking governance as Kenya looks toward the future.
