What President Ruto expects from his newly appointed cabinet secretaries

President William Ruto on Friday outlined ambitious responsibilities awaiting the newly sworn-in Cabinet Secretaries, insisting their critical roles in advancing Kenya's economic transformation agenda.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, the President expressed his confidence in their leadership and experience, urging them to serve with integrity and focus.

"Without exception, all three of the new Cabinet Secretaries have extensive and diverse experience in our public service," Ruto remarked.

"With their strong mix of leadership skills and capabilities, they are well-equipped to mobilize the machinery of government and drive it to deliver services to the people of Kenya."

The appointees include former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo as CS for ICT, ex-Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui as CS for Trade and Industry, and former Nyeri Senator Mutahi Kagwe as CS for Agriculture and Livestock.

Kagwe's mission

President Ruto assigned Mutahi Kagwe the critical task of spearheading reforms in the agricultural sector to enhance productivity, market access, and value addition.

He noted the government's efforts to shift from consumption subsidies to production support and the progress already achieved in providing affordable fertiliser to farmers.

"The transformation in agriculture is already underway, and we expect enhanced productivity, value addition, and market access to be your focus," Ruto said.

The President also addressed challenges in key agricultural sectors such as tea and dairy, urging Kagwe to prioritise efficiency in the supply chain.

"We are counting on you to ensure that farmers are fully supported and benefit from these improvements," he added.

Highlighting an increase in tea earnings from Sh180 billion to Sh210 billion last year, Ruto directed Kagwe to address ongoing bottlenecks such as tea held at the Port of Mombasa.

"Our procurement of fertiliser has been completed, and I look forward to your leadership in ensuring it reaches farmers efficiently," Ruto stated.

"Let us resolve the issues affecting the tea and dairy sectors and ensure farmers get their due earnings," he added.

Lee Kinyanjui to expand trade

For the Trade and Industry portfolio, Ruto tasked Lee Kinyanjui with creating new opportunities for Kenyan products, strengthening international trade agreements, and improving market access.

"The trade between Kenya and the UAE stands at Sh370 billion, and we expect this to grow further," Ruto said, referencing the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership with the UAE.

The President also highlighted the importance of concluding negotiations on the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) with the United States and advancing the tripartite agreement between COMESA, EAC, and SADC.

Kinyanjui's docket will also oversee the operationalization of 47 county aggregation centres and six special economic zones aimed at boosting agro-processing and industrialisation.

"These initiatives will not only open up markets but also create more jobs and economic opportunities for Kenyans," Ruto noted.

"You will be pivotal in steering Kenya's trade relations to the next level and ensuring our local industries remain competitive globally," he added.

Kabogo to drive digital transformation

In the ICT docket, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo was tasked with spearheading Kenya's ambitious digital strategy, including the rollout of 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable and the establishment of ICT hubs across all wards in the country.

"We have already secured funding for the first 53,000 kilometres of fibre optic and 145,000 computers for ICT hubs in all wards," Ruto announced.

"Your ( Kabogo) leadership is crucial in ensuring these projects are completed on time."

The President also highlighted the importance of creating a favourable ecosystem for the digital economy, highlighting the need to incorporate the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector into Kenya's labour laws.

"The ICT sector is poised to create over a million jobs, and I trust your leadership to deliver on this promise," he said.

Ruto further urged Kabogo to focus on youth empowerment and ensure that Kenya becomes a global hub for innovation and technology.

"Let us establish Kenya as the epicentre of the digital economy in Africa," he said.

President Ruto concluded by urging the Cabinet Secretaries to serve with dedication, integrity, and professionalism while focusing on the nation's transformation agenda.

"This moment calls for extraordinary ability, strength of character, and dedication to national values. I trust in your readiness to provide effective leadership and look forward to working with you to deliver to the people of Kenya," he said.