How Ruto is Wiping Out Military Dominance in Public Service

President William Ruto signs a document during the swearing in ceremony of CSs on October 27, 2022..jpg
President William Ruto signs a document during the swearing-in ceremony of CSs on October 27, 2022.
William Ruto

President William Ruto's term in office has exhibited dynamism and a couple of changes from his predecessor, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, style of leadership. 

Since his inauguration on September 13, President Ruto effected changes cutting across various wings of the government and state departments.

Among the paramount deductions from Ruto's first three months in office is his departure from the militarization of government institutions which seemed to have been a common occurrence in President Kenyatta’s regime. 

NMS Boss Mohammed Badi and Nairobi Acting Governor Anne Kananu at Uthiru Hospital
Former NMS Boss Mohammed Badi and Nairobi Acting Governor Anne Kananu at Uthiru Hospital.
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He had pronounced his intentions to do away with the military in running state organs way back in the electioneering period in his frequent criticism against the deployment.

NMS exit

Even before the onset of his term in office, former Nairobi Metropolitan Services Boss General Mohamed Badi had made clear his intentions to let go of the management of activities at City Hall, ushering in a new era in Nairobi City County. 

NMS, the body installed by President Uhuru to handle key functions and services to Nairobi residents, handed back the operations to the newly elected Governor Johson Sakaja in August. 

During his tenure, Uhuru used NMS to implement strategic projects in the city and was on record praising military men of their diligence and effectiveness. 

However, Ruto's administration did not show intentions of extending NMS' stay at the helm of operations in the city and instead threw its weight behind Governor Sakaja. 

Reversal of KMC 

Ruto's government also effected changes in the management of the Kenya Meat Commission which had initially been bestowed on the military under the Ministry of Defence.

In November, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi announced a reversal of the orders that had placed the Kenya Meat Commission under the management of KDF. 

However, the CS noted that his ministry would work in tandem with the military to continue with the work of reforming the commission and steering it towards profitability.

KWS Changes

On Tuesday, December 6, the government sent Kenya Wildlife Service boss John Migui Waweru on compulsory leave. 

Waweru, a former high-ranking military was appointed during President Uhuru's reign in 2019 in a move that sparked a controversy. 

Following the development, Wildlife Secretary Dr Erastus Kanga took over in changes that came after attending the handing-over ceremony of Principal Secretaries.

Uhuru appointed Waweru in 2019, in a controversial move that sparked a debate and widespread condemnation.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (in brown shirt) with Defence CS Monica Juma arrive at Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) Landhies Road deport on Monday, May 24, 2021.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (in brown shirt) with Defence CS Monica Juma arrive at Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) Landhies Road deport on Monday, May 24, 2021.
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