Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua extolled former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Professor Njuguna Ndung’u during the funeral of Susan Wanjohi on Friday, 26 July.
Gachagua commended Ndung’u's outstanding performance and contributions to Kenya's economic landscape, marking the end of his tenure as a period of significant achievements. Ndung'u was among 11 Cabinet Secretaries who President William Ruto did not retain in his reshuffled Cabinet.
Gachagua took the podium to acknowledge the former CS's remarkable service at the National Treasury.
"Professor Njuguna Ndung’u, your outstanding performance has left an indelible mark. We are immensely proud to call you our son from this region," he declared.
The Deputy President highlighted Ndung’u’s strategic role in presenting robust economic proposals to the country's leadership.
"Your stewardship at the Treasury was exemplary. You worked tirelessly, delivering clear and concrete proposals to steer our economy," Gachagua stated.
"As you transition, hold your head high. Your hard work and dedication are deeply appreciated."
Under Ndung’u’s leadership, Kenya successfully settled the balance of $560 million (Ksh72 billion) from the 2014 Eurobond. This achievement was facilitated by part of the proceeds from a $1.2 billion World Bank loan, which also helped stabilise the Kenyan shilling, halting its downward spiral to Ksh185 against the dollar.
Gachagua emphasised the profound impact of Ndung’u's tenure on the country's fiscal health.
Despite the pressures of reducing government wastage and ensuring accountability, Ndung’u managed to navigate the financial turbulence effectively.
One of the significant challenges during Ndung’u’s term was addressing the financial gap of Ksh346 billion caused by the rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024.
Nevertheless, before his departure, Ndung’u submitted Supplementary Estimates for the financial year 2024/2025 to Parliament, proposing substantial budget cuts, including a Ksh3.7 billion reduction in Parliament's budget.
In a show of solidarity with Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, several former Cabinet Secretaries attended the funeral, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. President William Ruto had earlier dissolved his entire Cabinet on 11 July, sparing only Mudavadi, who also serves as Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS.
The reshuffle has introduced ODM chairman John Mbadi as the new nominee for Treasury CS, signalling a fresh chapter in Kenya's economic governance.
