Tag: CS’s Scorecard

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CS Alice Wahome under Ruto: From Muddy Waters to Landslide Moves.

From Water to Land: A Cabinet Shuffle Brings New Challenges

Alice Wahome, known for her fiery personality and unwavering loyalty to President William Ruto, has had a dynamic first year in office. Initially appointed Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation in 2022, she was subsequently reshuffled in October 2023 to head the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development. This unexpected move raised eyebrows, sparking both optimism and concern.

 

Major Projects: Building a Foundation for the “Big Four Agenda

Wahome’s tenure at Lands has been marked by ambitious projects aligned with Ruto’s “Big Four Agenda” of food security, affordable housing, manufacturing, and universal healthcare. Some highlights include:

Accelerating Land Titling: Digitizing land records and issuing title deeds is a key focus, aimed at increasing land ownership security and facilitating access to credit.

Revamping Housing Policy: Affordable housing initiatives are being streamlined, with targets set for construction of subsidized units.

Infrastructure Development: Emphasis is placed on improving roads, railways, and public transportation across the country.

Urban Regeneration: Slums are being targeted for slum upgrading and green development projects.

 

Notable Achievements and Accolades CS Alice Wahome has been credited with:

Streamlining processes: Initiatives like online permits and applications aim to enhance efficiency and combat corruption.

Tackling land grabbing: Public pronouncements and increased enforcement aim to protect vulnerable communities from land dispossession.

Attracting investment: Policies aimed at simplifying business registration and land acquisition are designed to encourage investment in real estate and urban development.

 

Muddy Waters: The Shadow of Corruption Allegations

However, Wahome’s tenure has not been without controversy. A recent land scandal involving accusations of irregular allocation of prime public land for private development has cast a shadow over her achievements. These claims have been vehemently denied by both Wahome and the government, but investigations are ongoing.

 

Notable Headlines: A Mix of Progress and Controversy

  • Wahome vows to clean up Lands Ministry, digitize all records.
  • Affordable housing push: 100,000 units targeted in first year.
  • Slum dwellers protest planned demolitions in Nairobi.
  • CS Wahome denies involvement in land scandal, calls it political witch-hunt.

 

Looking Ahead: Building on Promises or Battling Accusations?

Only time will tell if Wahome will be remembered as a transformative leader or tarnished by allegations. Her ability to deliver on ambitious projects while upholding transparency and accountability will determine her legacy in the complex and often opaque world of Kenyan land politics.

 

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Adan Duale: From Political Powerhouse to Kenya’s Defence Chief

Honourable Aden Duale, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, traded his vibrant halls of Parliament, a place he’s  been for over 10 years, for the strategic corridors of the Ministry of Defence. His journey from political strategist to national security guardian has been fascinating, marked by both triumphs and challenges.

 

From Majority Leader to Defence Chief:

Duale’s political career flourished under the Jubilee Party, where he served as the Majority Leader in the National Assembly for two consecutive terms. He wielded considerable influence, shaping legislation and navigating the complex political landscape. However, his outspoken nature and perceived allegiance to former DP and Current President, H.E William Samoei Ruto led to his ouster in 2020.

 

Undeterred, Duale reinvented himself. When President William Ruto took office in 2022, he appointed Duale as the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, a critical and demanding role. This move surprised many, but it also highlighted Ruto’s trust in Duale’s leadership skills and strategic acumen.

 

Key priorities as Defence CS:

As Defence Chief, Duale has focused on several key areas:

 

Modernization of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF): Duale has overseen the acquisition of advanced military equipment, including fighter jets and armored vehicles. He has also emphasized training and professional development for KDF personnel.

Enhanced regional security: Duale has played a crucial role in regional security initiatives, particularly in the fight against terrorism and armed groups in Eastern DRC. He has deployed KDF troops to join the East African Community Joint Regional Force in the region.

Strengthening civil-military relations: Duale has actively engaged with civilians, promoting dialogue and understanding between the military and the public.

 

Notable Achievements and Challenges:

Duale’s tenure has seen notable successes. The KDF has performed well in regional operations, and the modernization efforts have boosted its capabilities. However, challenges remain. Corruption allegations within the military continue to surface, and the fight against terrorism requires constant vigilance.

 

Duale’s Future:

Duale’s future at the Ministry of Defence hinges on his ability to navigate these challenges. He must foster transparency and accountability within the KDF while ensuring its effectiveness in safeguarding Kenya’s national security. His success will be crucial in shaping Kenya’s defence landscape and ensuring the well-being of its people.

 

Adan Duale’s transition from political powerhouse to Defence Chief has been a remarkable one. His leadership skills and strategic thinking are now applied to safeguarding Kenya’s security. While challenges remain, Duale’s dedication and commitment to national security hold promise for a more stable and secure future for Kenya.

 

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CS Moses Kuria under Ruto: Public Service, Port Reforms, and Controversies.

Moses Kuria, the outspoken Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, has had a whirlwind tenure under President William Ruto. His time in office has been marked by ambitious projects, bold pronouncements, and a fair share of controversy. Let’s delve into the key aspects of Kuria’s tenure so far:

 

Kuria’s Major Projects:

  • Port Reforms: Kuria has spearheaded significant reforms at the vital Mombasa port, aiming to enhance efficiency, transparency, and combat corruption. He has implemented digitalization initiatives, tackled dockworker grievances, and pledged to tackle issues like pension remittance delays.
  • Public Service Transformation: Kuria has embarked on a mission to transform the public service, focusing on digitization, eliminating ghost workers, and streamlining processes. He has launched initiatives like Huduma Ndugu, a digital platform for government services, and emphasized performance-based promotions.
  • Youth Empowerment: Kuria has actively engaged with youth, launching initiatives like the Youth Service Corps program and promoting entrepreneurship. He has also advocated for increased youth participation in government and politics.

Kuria’s Notable Achievements:

  • Improved Efficiency at Mombasa Port: Preliminary data suggests a reduction in clearance times and increased revenue since the reform efforts began.
  • Progress in Digitization of Public Services: The Huduma Ndugu platform has gained traction, offering convenience and accessibility for citizens.
  • Increased Focus on Youth: Kuria’s initiatives have engaged youth and provided new opportunities for their participation in the national discourse.
  • Move to Public Service: Kuria’s initial appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives raised eyebrows. However, his subsequent move to Public Service, a critical and complex ministry, was seen as a strategic move by Ruto to leverage Kuria’s energy and reformist zeal in a crucial area.

Kuria’s Major Headlines and Controversies During His current Tenure as CS:

  • Exclusion from US Trip:

Kuria’s absence from President Ruto’s US trip in December 2023 fueled speculation about alleged US concerns regarding his past pronouncements.

  • Missing State Honours:

Kuria’s exclusion from the 60th Jamhuri Day honours list recently on 12th December, led to speculation about internal political dynamics and potential friction with Deputy President Gachagua. Although these are just speculations and political machinations emanating from Mt Kenya.

  • Alleged Corruption Scandal:

Kuria has faced accusations of corruption related to the awarding of a contract for the Huduma Ndugu platform. He has denied the allegations and vowed to cooperate with investigations.

 

Moses Kuria’s tenure under President Ruto has been marked by both progress and controversy.

While his ambitious projects and focus on reform hold promise, the allegations against him raise concerns about transparency and accountability. As Kuria navigates these challenges, the Kenyan public will be watching closely to see if his achievements can outweigh the shadows of doubt.