The National Assembly on Wednesday, February 26, approved the appointment of Mutahi Kagwe and Betty Maina as Health and Trade cabinet secretaries respectively.
During live proceedings at the National Assembly, the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Cheboi confirmed the decision by the house Appointments Committee on settling for the cabinet secretaries.
According to Cheboi, the two appointees are best placed to help steer the president's objective to achieve the Big 4 agendas where Mutahi will handle the affordable housing agenda whereas Betty will handle the manufacturing pillar.
"Having served as a senator, Kagwe is best placed to handle the devolved health sector that is a key constituent of the Big 4 Agenda. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Mukurweini constituency therefore well conversant with the running of government.
"Betty is a renown industrialist who at one time served as the Chief Executive Officer at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers," remarked Cheboi.
Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa also lauded the two urging them to work in ensuring Kenyans benefit from their efforts.
"I have known Mutahi Kagwe as a great lawmaker and I have no doubt that he will continue with the great work as the new health Cabinet Secretary.
"Betty Maina's efforts in government are easily noticeable having risen in different ranks at different ministries. Her experience in the private sector will also be necessary for her government role," remarked Wamalwa.
Mutahi Kagwe takes over the mantle at Afya House from Sicily Kariuki who moved to the Ministry of Water and irrigation in changes announced by the President on January 14, 2020.
Mutahi promised to help Kenyans access affordable healthcare through the National Hospital Insurance Fund.
Betty Maina pledged to champion the growth of Kenya’s micro-economy through the revamping of the SME sector.
The committee also approved Julius Ouma Jwan for Principal Secretary State Department for Vocational and Technical Training, Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi for Principal Secretary State Department for University Education and Research, Enosh Onyango Momanyi as the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Physical Planning.
Presenting his report, Departmental Committee on Education Research & Technology chairperson Julius Melly stated that Jwan was a competent candidate for the position and has achieved much in his previous government positions.
“Dr. Jwan is remembered as a person who rose through the ranks at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development where he brought great changes. He is also a publisher who will bring great knowledge to the docket.
“Ambassador Nabukwesi is also a diplomat who will bring diversity in his docket as the Principal Secretary in the State Department of University Education,” remarked Melly.
