President William Ruto’s latest cabinet shake-up has thrust John Mbadi into the spotlight as the new nominee for the position of Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.
Mbadi, a seasoned politician with an impressive portfolio, is stepping into the role with a reported wealth of Ksh380 million, a figure that has inevitably sparked both curiosity and scrutiny.
Mbadi’s financial standing has been a topic of discussion ever since he was proposed for the Treasury position. The former MP and current nominated member of Parliament has clarified that his substantial wealth has been amassed over time through various professional engagements.
This assertion was made during his vetting by the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments, a process led by Speaker Moses Wetangula.
A glance at Mbadi’s career trajectory reveals a notable blend of political and financial experience. Holding a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nairobi, Mbadi’s professional background includes significant roles both within and outside the political arena.
Before delving into politics, he served as a senior accountant and full accountant at the University of Nairobi from 1999 to 2005. His financial acumen was further honed as the Finance Director at Medair East Africa.
Mbadi's political career is equally distinguished. Having served as the MP for Gwassi starting from the 2007 General Election, he later transitioned to representing Suba South in the 2013 and 2017 elections. His political roles have included leadership positions such as the leader of the minority and an assistant minister from 2012 to 2013.
Notably, he was the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and has been involved in various crucial parliamentary committees including the budget committee and the Public Investment Committee.
The announcement of Mbadi’s nomination came on July 24, as President Ruto sought to fill the vacancy left by Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u. Ndung'u’s departure from the Cabinet was notably linked to widespread anti-government protests, highlighting the high-stakes environment in which Mbadi now steps into.
Mbadi’s credentials are backed by his academic and professional history. His studies at the University of Nairobi included a Certified Public Accountant qualification followed by an MBA, which underpins his suitability for the Treasury role. His extensive parliamentary experience further cements his capability to navigate the complex fiscal landscape of Kenya’s national budget.
The appointment arrives amid a backdrop of significant financial disclosures by other cabinet nominees. Roads, Transport and Public Works CS nominee Davis Chirchir reported a net worth increase to Ksh509.8 million, an adjustment attributed to his tenure as Energy CS.
Similarly, Nominated CS Aden Duale has seen his wealth rise from Ksh851 million in 2022 to Ksh980 million in 2024.
Alice Wahome, the Cabinet Secretary nominee for the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, has disclosed a significant increase in her net worth, now standing at Ksh327 million.
