ODM leader Raila Odinga has met an economist who worked as his economic advisor while serving as the country’s Prime Minister between 2008 to 2013.
Raila met Japanese economist Prof Hiroyuki Hino, who also served as President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives and Economy for two years when Ruto was Deputy President.
The ex-PM said on Monday he was glad to touch base with Prof Hino in the company of Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
“I had the honour of hosting Prof Hiroyuki Hino, my former Economic Affairs Advisor, for a thoughtful and engaging visit. He was accompanied by two long-serving public servants: Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu County, and Felix Koskei, Head of Public Service,” Raila said.
“Our discussions offered deep reflections on policy, leadership, and public service. I am grateful for the opportunity to reconnect and look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration,” he added.
Prof Hino left Kenya in 2014 after resigning as Ruto’s advisor and returned to Yale University, as well as lecturing in South African universities.
After his controversial exit, the then Ruto’s spokesperson, David Mugonyi (now Director General-Communications Authority) said Hino left at the end of his contract and was replaced by the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Research Institute that seconded him to the government.
The presence of Koskei in the meeting, according to Raila’s insiders, may be an indicator that Kenya may require the services of Prof Hino, who has previously worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and JICA.
In 2019, he edited a book titled “From Divided Pasts to Cohesive Futures: Reflections on Africa” that comprehensively examined the correlation between ethnic diversity and poor economic growth in Africa from interdisciplinary perspectives, including economics, politics, anthropology and history.
The book reflects on social cohesion in Africa’s multiethnic society and presents the future prospects for social cohesion in Africa.
The book consists of 13 papers written collaboratively by more than 20 historians, economists, and political scientists at research bases in Africa, Japan, Europe, and North America.
