Time’s ripe for radical surgery of Cabinet

It is nearly a year since President Uhuru Kenyatta formed the current government after the rancorous elections of 2017. Then, the country was deeply divided and issues like appointments were determined along political and ethnic lines. Some of those appointed to top positions of Cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries were picked just because of political and ethnic considerations. Competence, fairness and equity were compromised.

A lot of water has since gone under the bridge. Sobriety has returned following the handshake between political protagonists Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga last March. Issues can now be examined soberly and dispassionately. After nearly a year in office, it has emerged some cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries are not equal to the task. They ought not to have been appointed in the first place. Which is the reason it is becoming crucially important for President Kenyatta to make drastic decisions. He ought to review the cabinet and carry out radical changes. A few ministers and PSs are doing a commendable job. But some have failed miserably. Others are a disgrace from the way they conduct themselves. Still, others are mere joy-riders.

President Kenyatta is on record as chastising some of the ministers and other top government officials, stating that they have failed him. Last October, for example, speaking at Strathmore University, the President expressed utter disappointment at the way his charges were managing government affairs, expressly declaring they had let him down. Besides that, he had complained of the shady goings-on at the port of Mombasa, which he had only gleaned through his visits to the facility incognito.

Several grand projects are stalling purely because of lack of leadership. Things cannot continue like this. Having declared his intention to transform the economy and set eyes on four essential areas — health, food security, affordable housing and manufacturing — there must be commensurate competence, abilities and commitment to drive the growth agenda. Also, he has declared his intention to extinguish corruption.

Principally, the essence of having a cabinet of non-politicians was to bring on board technocrats with top-level skills to bring value to government. Unlike politicians encumbered with a lot of baggage, such technocrats would have undivided attention and, therefore, be able to deliver. But this has only partially worked. Some of those cabinet secretaries and PSs also dabble in politics and make decisions based on political interests. Put together, there are compelling reasons for the President to rethink the composition of government. Moving the country to the next level requires proper governance. Time is now for President Kenyatta to make drastic changes based on merit, equity, and inclusivity.