In Kenya, former central bank governor, Njuguna Ndung’u has been appointed as finance minister as the East African country battles rising inflation, a heavy debt burden, and drought.
The Kenyan President, William Ruto who was recently sworn in made the announcement on Tuesday when unveiling members of his cabinet.
“Today, I am proud to announce the men and women who will serve in the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya. It is important we set up the new Cabinet early to take charge and realize the plans and agenda we promised to the people of Kenya.
“I also appreciate the political parties that joined us, UDA, to form the Kenya Kwanza alliance. From Ford-Kenya to Maendeleo Chap Chap and others,” Ruto stated.
The president also announced that his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua will deputize him in all duties which will be gazetted upon the issue of an Executive Order.
See the full list below:
- Prime Cabinet Secretary – Musalia Mudavadi
- CS Interior – Professor Kithure Kindiki
- Treasury and Social Planning – Njuguna Ndung’u
- Public Service – Aisha Jumwa
- Defence – Aden Duale
- Water and Sanitation – Alice Wahome
- Foreign Affairs – Alfred Mutua
- Trade, Investment, and Industry – Moses Kuria
- East African Community – Rebecca Miano
- Transport and Roads – Kipchumba Murkome
- Environment – Soipan Tuya
- Lands and Housing – Zachariah Njeru
- Tourism – Peninah Malonza
- Agriculture – Mithika Linturi
- Health – Susan Nakhumicha
- ICT – Eliud Owalo
- Education – Ezekiel Machogu
- Energy and Petroleum – Davis Chirchir
- Sports – Ababu Namwamba
- Cooperatives – Simon Chelugui
- Mining – Salim Mvurya
- Labour and Social Protection – Florence Florence Bore
- Advisor on women’s rights – Harriet Kigai
- Advisor on National Security advisor- Monica Juma
- Attorney General – Muturi Njoka
- Secretary to the cabinet- Mercy Wanjao
The new finance minister, Professor Ndung’u, is an economics expert who led the central bank between 2007 and 2015. He is renowned for presiding over the expansion of the financial sector and condemnation for prioritizing growth over price stability in 2011.
The president reiterated that the cabinet was formed with the understanding of the dire economic situation the East African country currently faces.
“We appreciate that we have a difficult economic situation on our hands,” the president said as he unveiled his cabinet.