Politics

Kenya: President Ruto unveils cabinet, appoints ex-central bank governor, Njuguna Ndung’u, as finance minister

Published

2 years ago

September 27, 2022

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.

Related Topics:Featured Kenya Njuguna Ndung'u William Ruto

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Politics

Burkina Faso releases 4 French spies after Moroccan intervention

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

In a diplomatic spat over their imprisonment, France and Morocco announced Thursday that four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso for a year had been freed after mediation from Morocco.

They were spies, according to a prior statement made by the director of France’s foreign intelligence organisation, the DGSE.

A request for comment was not answered by the DGSE or a representative of the French military, which is in charge of the agency.

Since December 2023, they have been held in Ouagadougou.

President Emmanuel Macron hailed King Mohammed of Morocco on Wednesday for his intervention, “which made possible the liberation of our four countrymen who had been held in Burkina Faso for a year,” according to a statement from the French administration.

King Mohammed and President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso were also commended by Morocco’s foreign ministry, which stated that “this humanitarian act” was made possible by their positive bilateral ties.

In October, France made peace with Morocco, one of its former protectorates, after three years of hostilities between Paris and Rabat stoked by immigration concerns and the disputed Western Sahara region.

Morocco offers Burkina Faso and other military-ruled Sahel republics Atlantic trade.

However, France’s relations with former West and Central African colonies, such as Burkina Faso, remain difficult. In Ouagadougou, French troops and diplomats were ejected, the defence attache and ambassador were asked to depart, and certain French media were suspended.

The military junta that took control in 2022 in Burkina Faso has been criticized by international rights groups for cracking down on free expression and harassing dissidents to handle a security crisis precipitated by Al Qaeda and Islamic State extremists.

Politics

Ghana: President-elect Mahama appoints anti-corruption team

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

According to a statement released by his transition team on Wednesday, Ghana’s President-elect, John Dramani Mahama, has designated an anti-corruption committee to investigate allegations of wrongdoing.

When he takes office next month, Mahama, the leading opposition candidate in the presidential election held on December 7 and who received almost 56% of the vote, has pledged to reclaim the proceeds of corruption and hold those responsible for it accountable.

In anticipation, an anti-graft squad has been established. The parliament’s Committee on Assurances, which has previously raised suspicions of governmental corruption, is chaired by MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah.

An investigative journalist, a private attorney, a former auditor general, and a former police officer with experience in high-profile robbery cases make up the other three members.

After looking into alleged financial irregularities that took place during the previous administration, Daniel Dumelovo, the former auditor general, was fired.

Recovering lost assets and fighting corruption were two of Mahama’s main campaign pledges.

“He intends to hit the ground running on these commitments,” the statement said.

Eight years after leaving office, former President Mahama is back to head the West African country. Despite not being personally contaminated, he faced criticism during his 2012–2016 administration due to claims of political corruption.