How Kithure Kindiki became a key player in president Ruto's administration
Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Kithure Kindiki has emerged as a pivotal figure in President William Ruto’s administration, taking on the role of Deputy President with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by the government.

His proactive approach and engagement with various stakeholders have earned him the nickname “Mr. Fix It” within political circles.

Key Takeaways

  • Kithure Kindiki has revitalized consultative forums at the county level, which had been neglected by his predecessor.
  • He has represented President Ruto at international events, showcasing his role as a key assistant.
  • Kindiki’s efforts have led to significant improvements in government communication and project delivery.

Reviving County Consultative Forums

How Kithure Kindiki became a key player in president Ruto's administration
Kithure Kindiki swearing-in as Kenya’s Deputy President.

During his first 100 days in office, Kindiki has prioritized the revival of county consultative forums, which are essential for assessing and reviewing government programs.

These forums had been absent for two years, but now they are back on track, with at least 47 meetings planned across various counties.

The forums aim to engage grassroots leaders and public opinion shapers, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard in government decision-making.

This initiative aligns with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, which emphasizes annual reviews of development programs.

A New Approach to Leadership

Kindiki’s leadership style marks a departure from that of his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua. While Gachagua faced criticism for alleged tribalism and a lack of support for the president, Kindiki has focused on collaboration and effective communication.

His proactive engagement with the National Assembly and various sector players has resulted in a more organized approach to governance.

He has held numerous meetings with MPs and Senators, ensuring that the government remains accountable and responsive to the needs of the citizens.

Addressing Key Challenges

How Kithure Kindiki became a key player in president Ruto's administration
Kithure Kindiki after swearing-in as Deputy along side president William Ruto.

As Deputy President, Kindiki has taken on several critical issues, including:

  1. Healthcare: He intervened to avert a planned doctors’ strike and addressed concerns regarding the Social Health Insurance Fund.
  2. Development Projects: Kindiki has been instrumental in unlocking bottlenecks in various projects, including the Kenanie leather factory, which is set to launch soon.
  3. Community Engagement: His efforts to engage with communities have led to initiatives like the First Boda Boda Summit and rural electrification projects in Mt. Kenya.

Building a Stronger Government

Kindiki’s role has allowed President Ruto to focus on broader strategic issues while he manages the day-to-day operations of the government.

This division of labor has reportedly given Ruto a chance to rest, knowing that Kindiki is handling the legwork.

Moreover, Kindiki’s approach aims to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, such as excessive letter writing among government officials, which has historically slowed down service delivery.

Conclusion

Kithure Kindiki’s tenure as Deputy President is shaping up to be a transformative period for the Ruto administration. His ability to address crises, engage with the public, and streamline government operations has positioned him as a crucial player in Kenyan politics.

As he continues to implement his agenda, the impact of his leadership will likely be felt across the nation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Kenyans.

Author

  • Ericson Mangoli

    Ericson Mangoli is the founder and Managing Editor of Who Owns Africa, a platform for African journalism that focuses on politics, governance, business and entrepreneurs who are changing perspectives of the African continent.

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