Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has vowed to serve the people of Kenya with utmost commitment, humility, dedication and integrity.
Mudavadi who was reacting to the new responsibilities bestowed upon him by President William Ruto on Wednesday said he is fully aware of the job that awaits him.
President Ruto handed him the Foreign Affairs and Diaspora docket in a Cabinet reshuffle announced on Wednesday in addition to his current position within the executive.
“I am fully aware of the significance of my dual role, and I embrace the opportunity with a profound sense of duty and dedication. I pledge to continue serving the people of Kenya and our country with unwavering commitment, integrity, and diligence.” he said.
Mudavadi will now be the focal point for Kenya’s foreign policy tasked with advancing Kenya’s agenda globally.
“I will continue to champion, pursue, and protect the interests of Kenyans, both within our borders and abroad.” he re-assured Kenyans.
The Prime CS also thanked the president for trusting him with such a critical ministry now that Kenya continues to enhance her relations and diplomatic engagement with the rest of the world under the five pillars of Economic Diplomacy, Peace Diplomacy, Environmental Diplomacy, Cultural Diplomacy and Diaspora Diplomacy.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been entrusted by His Excellency President William Ruto with an expanded role in the reshuffled Cabinet,” he said.
In pursuing Kenya’s foreign policy agenda, Mudavadi will be entrusted to ensure that Kenya’s foreign policy agenda on a peaceful, prosperous and globally competitive Kenya is realized with a mission focused on projecting, promoting and protecting Kenya’s interests and image globally through innovative diplomacy that contributes towards a just, peaceful and equitable world.
“I am a champion of “Whole-of-Government” and expect all officers in the coordination and external affairs roles, to collaborate and closely work together for the interest of country and its people. Together, we should tirelessly deliver to strengthen Kenya’s geopolitical influence, foster international partnerships, and enhance the support and services provided to our diaspora community.” said Mudavadi.
“With the collective efforts of my dedicated Cabinet colleagues and the support of the Kenyan people, I am confident that we will achieve great strides in making Government serve Kenyans.” he added
Ruto is banking on Mudavadi to help cut down cost related to foreign travel in all departments and agencies.
“In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is directed to rationalise the number of personnel accompanying each of the principals, and reduce the same by fifty per cent,” Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei said.
Koskei said the ministry is under a directive to limit the issuance of invitations to government entities and secure the participation of focal point institutions only where necessary.
President Ruto also seems to be banking on Mudavadi’s long experience as a serving Cabinet minister during the previous regimes to help cut down on government spending.
Mudavadi served as Finance Minister between 1993 and 1997, where he is credited with turning around the country’s economy. He spearheaded restoration of bilateral and multilateral aid, the establishment of the Kenya Revenue Authority and the autonomy of the Central Bank of Kenya thus improving the legal foundation for managing the domestic debt among other key achievements.
He had also served as Minister for Supplies & Marketing.
Mudavadi went on to serve in the agriculture docket, Information, Transport & Communication, Transport & Communication, and later as vice president and deputy prime minister, doubling up as minister for Local government.
Mudavadi will also remain with most of the duties assigned to him under Executive Order No. 1 of 2023 by President William Ruto.
