Economy

Uhuru Kenyatta names four cabinet nominees

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced part of the nominees to his cabinet, who now await vetting from Parliament.

The President nominated Dr Fred Okengo Matiangi (ICT nominee), Henry K Rotich (Treasury Secretary), James Wainaina Macharia (Health) and Ambassador Amina Mohammed (Foreign Affairs).

In a radical departure from the past when the Head of State would announce the entire Cabinet, the President only released the four names, saying the rest would be announced at a later date.

“This is an ongoing process. Now that the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments has been formed, they will have a plate full of business in vetting the nominees as we release other names,” he said.

“We are giving Kenyans the best brains that will enable use deliver our Jubilee manifesto and uplift the wellbeing of the nation,” President Kenyatta said.

None of the nominees who were named moments after Parliament constituted a 29 member committee to vet appointments is a politician. It was not clear if poll losers would feature in the remaining 14 slots which are yet to be filed.

“We thank all Kenyans who supported us and voted for us to form the government. We have said we will work with all none will be left out. We are still forming the government, professionals and others will be included in the government. I don’t see if we have left out anyone,” said President Kenyatta when asked if losers will be included in Cabinet.

Those who supported the Jubilee but lost former ministers Charity Ngilu (Water), Njeru Githae (Finance), Prof Sam Ongeri (Education), Amos Kimunya (Transport), Ali Mwakwere (Environment), Samuel Poghisio (Information) and assistant ministers Jebii Kilimo (Cooperatives) and Dr Kilemi Mwiria (Higher Education).

Others are MPs, Najib Balala, Danson Mungatana, Kiema Kilonzo and Joshua Kutuny who played a critical role during the Jubilee campaigns.
Several politicians who stood on Jubilee tickets and lost have been campaigning vigorously behind the scenes to be rewarded through appointment to the Cabinet.

The Constitution capped the cabinet at not less than 14 and more than 22 members and outlined their security of tenure.

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