President William Ruto has appointed former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero as the new Chairperson of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC). The announcement was made through a gazette notice dated Friday, November 15, 2024, where Kidero was appointed to serve a three-year term, effective immediately.
This appointment marks Kidero’s return to the heart of Kenya’s public service after a brief hiatus. His role as the new head of KNTC comes after the revocation of the previous chairperson, Hussein Tene Debasso’s appointment. Kidero now holds the position at a time when the KNTC, a state corporation with a mandate to promote and expand Kenya’s trade and commerce, plays a vital role in the country’s economic strategies.
Political Comeback
Evans Kidero, who served as Nairobi’s governor from 2013 to 2017, has had an eventful political career. The decision by President Ruto to appoint Kidero to the chairmanship of KNTC signals a comeback for the one-term governor. His previous tenure at the Nairobi County Government was marked by significant infrastructural development projects, but he faced challenges in dealing with the city’s complex governance issues. Despite his efforts, Kidero failed to secure re-election in 2017, losing to the incumbent, Governor Mike Sonko, under a highly competitive political environment.
Kidero made another attempt at political office in 2022 when he contested for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat. However, his bid was unsuccessful, as he lost to the current governor, Gladys Wanga, who ran on an ODM ticket. Kidero’s defeat was seen as part of the broader political landscape, with the ODM party being a dominant force in the region.
Kidero’s return to the political scene in the Ruto administration is seen as a strategic move. He had been nominated by the President for the position of Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Trade, but this nomination did not go through as expected. The failure of his CAS nomination did not deter his political ambitions, and Kidero now returns to government in a leadership role that offers considerable influence in the trade sector.
The Role of the Kenya National Trading Corporation
KNTC, which Kidero will now lead, is a state corporation that plays a crucial role in the commercialization of key products and services for the government. It facilitates the supply and distribution of goods across the country, ensuring that essential items, such as agricultural produce and industrial goods, are available for the local market and for export. The KNTC also plays a significant role in the implementation of the government’s policies aimed at reducing the cost of living by ensuring price stability and availability of basic commodities.
Kidero’s experience in governance and public service, combined with his background in the private sector, makes him well-suited to lead an organization like KNTC. His leadership will be critical in steering the corporation through the complexities of Kenya’s evolving economic landscape, as it faces both opportunities and challenges in enhancing trade and commerce within the region and internationally.
Kidero’s Political Trajectory and Challenges Ahead
Kidero’s appointment to KNTC, however, is not without its challenges. His tenure as governor was marked by controversies, including accusations of mismanagement and corruption, which he denied. His political comeback, especially after the failed CAS nomination, will require him to demonstrate strong leadership and to align with President Ruto’s administration on key policy goals.
Despite his setbacks, Kidero remains a significant figure in Kenyan politics. His appointment to KNTC, while not a return to elective office, offers him another opportunity to make a substantial impact on the country’s economic policies. In the coming years, Kidero will be expected to use his position to advance the trade objectives of the government and contribute to Kenya’s broader economic development goals.
In conclusion, President Ruto’s appointment of Evans Kidero as Chairperson of KNTC reflects both a personal and political gesture. Kidero’s return to the government fold underlines his continued relevance in the political scene and presents a chance for him to exert influence on Kenya’s trade policies during his tenure. The success of his leadership will be keenly watched as the country seeks to foster economic growth and improve trade relationships both regionally and globally.
