Mbadi praises Ruto's bottom-up economic model which he used to condemn

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary nominee John Mbadi has defended his ability to advance the Kenya Kwanza Alliance manifesto, despite his previous affiliation with the opposition outfit, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Mbadi, who was ODM's chairman before his nomination, rejected claims that he would struggle in the finance role due to his past criticism of the bottom-up economic model. 

He argued that the model is similar to ODM's economic approach, as both aim to address economic inequalities by empowering the lower socioeconomic class.

“The Bottom-Up Economic Transformational Agenda (BETA) is a concept of the UDA through the Kenya Kwanza. If you look at the philosophy of UDA and ODM, there is no difference. Actually, the two are social democrats. The two political parties promote social democracy,” he defended Ruto's economic policy. 

Mbadi also noted that many aspects of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance’s manifesto mirror those proposed in the ODM manifesto.

He emphasised that his performance in one of the highest policy positions in government will be guided by the law and not by political whims.

John Mbadi, Treasury CS nominee, appears before the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments on Saturday, August 3, 2024.(Photo: Parliament)

“BETA talks about job creation, cost of living, agricultural productivity, and the digital economy. In the ODM manifesto, we also talked about the same. Actually, the BETA concept is value addition. In ODM, which I participated in developing, we had manufacturing, emphasising agriculture as a raw material. Housing was also a concept for both parties. There is a constitution,, and the PFM Act will guide my conduct in office, if approved.”

The former ODM Chairman has previously criticised the model, dismissing it as populist rhetoric with little practical substance.

Before his vetting, there were concerns about how he would adapt to the economic model he once mocked and align himself with the policy framework of President Ruto’s administration.

Currently, Mbadi serves as Chair of the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee, which oversees the accountability of ministries, departments, and agencies.

If approved, Mbadi will tackle issues related to high public debt, fiscal deficits, inflation, economic challenges, and youth unemployment. He will succeed Njuguna Ndung'u as Treasury CS, becoming President William Ruto's second appointee to the position.