President William Ruto will need to rethink his cabinet formation to address widespread dissatisfaction that has fueled over two weeks of protests across Kenya.
On Wednesday evening, President Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet, including the Attorney General, following a national outcry over government inefficiency.
In Kenya, cabinet appointments are often based on political loyalty and contributions to the president's election campaign, rather than on merit or expertise.
The constitution ideally calls for a cabinet of technocrats, but political figures often dominate these positions.
Dr Ruto now faces the challenge of forming a new executive that balances various interests and meets public expectations.
The recently dissolved cabinet consisted primarily of politicians who played significant roles in Ruto's 2022 election victory.
The only exceptions to the dismissals are Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Gachagua, elected alongside Ruto on the same ticket, can only be removed through impeachment by parliament.
"I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government," President Ruto announced.
He acknowledged the high expectations Kenyans have of his administration, expressing his commitment to undertaking significant transformations.
The president has been embroiled in controversy following attempts to push through a contentious tax bill, which led to violent protests nationwide.
The bill, seen by many as burdensome, exacerbated frustrations over the government's perceived incompetence.
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Dr Ruto aims for his new government to implement radical programs addressing several critical issues. These include managing the national debt, expanding job opportunities, reducing government waste and duplication, and tackling corruption.
The president hopes that a revamped cabinet will restore public trust and quell the ongoing unrest.
The political landscape in Kenya is fraught with complexities, and the president's ability to navigate these will be crucial.
His forthcoming cabinet appointments will need to reflect a delicate balance between political alliances and the need for effective governance. The outcome of his efforts to rebuild his executive will significantly impact his administration's ability to deliver on its promises and stabilise the nation.
As President Ruto prepares to consult widely across various sectors, the anticipation for a competent and inclusive government grows. The Kenyan public and political observers alike will be watching closely to see how he addresses the current challenges and whether his new cabinet can meet the high expectations set before them.
