The appointment of new Cabinet Secretaries was the highlight of the week in President William Ruto’s diary.
All the 18 CSs approved by Parliament after undergoing a thorough vetting exercise were sworn in Thursday at State House, Nairobi in a ceremony witnessed by Ruto.
In his address, Ruto assured the new Cabinet members of his full support in discharging their mandate to Kenyans.
Ruto added that he will be leading by example as a good steward of public resources and accountability noting Kenyans have made their expectations known in bold terms.
"As champions of the nation’s development agenda, you will be team players, servant leaders, faithful trustees, effective stewards of the people’s interests, and dependable custodians of their resources."
He said he will be leading by example as a good steward of public resources and accountability.
Monday
He signed into law the Supplementary Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2024 which makes available more resources for agriculture, education and healthcare.
It further anchors our Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the funding of medical internship, UHC workers on contract and Community Health Promoters.
The Bill also supports the hiring of Junior School interns on permanent terms and the higher education new financing model.
He also hosted US Senator John Coryn who sits in the Senate Finance, Intelligence and Judiciary committees.
During their talks, Ruto said they discussed regional peace and security, and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
“We are also negotiating a Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership,” he said.
Kenya and the United States, he noted, always find common ground on many areas of mutual benefit because of our shared values of freedom and democracy.
Tuesday
Ruto received a briefing on the progress of Tumaini Mediation Consensus by Lt. Gen (Rtd) Lazarus Sumbeiywo, Gen Pagan Amum Okiech, Gen Paul Malong Awan, Gen Mario Loku Thomas Jada, and Lual Dau at State House.
According to the head of state, Tumaini Initiative has achieved immense progress guided by the leadership and patriotism of all parties involved.
“We commend them for having made difficult decisions for the betterment of the country,” he said.
He stated that Kenya looks forward to the people of South Sudan living in a peaceful, secure, and thriving society.
On the same day, he met US Undersecretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya.
Their talks, he said centered on “our common democratic tradition, peace and security in Eastern Africa, the fight against terrorism and people-to-people relations”.
Wednesday
Ruto camped in Embu county where he launched several projects.
He started his tour in Embu he presided over the construction of the Iriari irrigation project that will create more than 5,000 jobs in the county and the tarmacking of the 25-Kilometre Rukuriri-Kathageri-Kanyuambora road that will further Embu’s agricultural vibrancy, unlock its economic potential and improve livelihoods.
Accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Governor Cecily Mbarire and other leaders, he launched Cianthia Village Last Mile Electrification Project in Mbeere North that will benefit more than 200 households.
He also launched the tarmacking of the 42km Kanyuambora-Kageri, Muvakari-Kanyuambora, Gachoka-Gachuriri and Kangeta-Kiumbu~ini Roads.
Later, they launched works for the Sh280 Million Kanyuambora irrigation project, which will put more than 1,000 acres under irrigation, benefiting more than 1,250 farmers.
He wound up his tour by laying the foundation stone for the Kamburu Dam Water Supply and also inspected the Machang’a County Aggregation and Industrial Park that will add value to the area’s agricultural produce.
Friday
Ruto pitched tent in Murang'a where he inspected and launched some development projects.
He commenced his tour by launching the last mile connectivity at Marewa.
He later presided over the launch of Kambirwa market and Mitarwakwa-Ha Paulo-Mbari Ya Hiti-Gitiri-Kahithe-Gatuya road.
In the afternoon, he addressed a public gathering at Kahuro town, Marewa and Mukuyu Township before crossing to Ndunyu Chege market in Gatanga.
