Cabinet ReShuffle Looms as Ruto Makes a Surprising Move

President William Ruto has heightened tensions within his Cabinet and among principal secretaries by calling for a retreat to assess their performance since assuming office.

The retreat, scheduled for early February, has prompted increased activity, including the establishment of a steering committee chaired by Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management CS Moses Kuria.

The primary responsibility of this committee is to compile a comprehensive report on the achievements of each department, a report that will play a pivotal role in the crucial meeting set to take place in Naivasha.

This development echoes a similar gathering held in Nanyuki in January of the previous year, where President Ruto outlined ambitious six-month targets for each ministry.

However, concerns have surfaced as some of these targets remain unmet, fueling speculation of a potential Cabinet reshuffle. While no officials have been removed from the Cabinet yet, President Ruto has publicly expressed frustration with certain members, accusing them of lacking clarity in their roles.

In October of the previous year, a minor reshuffle saw the relocation of some CSs and PSs to different portfolios, interpreted by allies as a warning to underperforming officials.

The President convened a two-day meeting late last year with the CSs in South B, Nairobi, following the signing of performance contracts specifying their set targets at State House. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasized a shift from political friendships to a focus on performance during this event.

Gachagua stated, “I want to urge you today when he (Ruto) is here, please perform because the President has a contract with Kenyans, and it is your performance that will assist him in fulfilling that contract.”

The steering committee, led by CS Moses Kuria, disclosed ongoing engagements with various ministries over the past 14 months. These discussions will form the basis for a comprehensive report to be presented during the upcoming retreat.

The cancellation of a ministerial briefing invitation by East African Community (EAC) CS Peninah Malonza’s office adds to the growing tensions, following recent meetings with key officials.

During the Nanyuki retreat, President Ruto tasked the CSs with setting six-month targets within clusters of ministries in different sectors.

The targets are aligned with five key pillars: agriculture, universal health coverage, a digital superhighway economy, access to affordable credit, and manufacturing and value addition.

As the second annual retreat approaches, the dynamic within the Cabinet appears to be shifting, with speculation rife about potential changes and adjustments in leadership roles.

The President’s emphasis on performance and the ongoing evaluations signal a commitment to ensuring effective governance and the delivery of promises made to the Kenyan people.