Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has demonstrated a strong commitment to his new role by actively engaging in key government and diplomatic meetings during his second week in office, highlighting his focus on governance, economic progress, and regional cooperation.
One of his significant milestones for the week was chairing the inaugural meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Governance, Social Sector, and Public Administration. Held on Tuesday, this meeting was attended by nine Cabinet Secretaries, the Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, and Secretary to the Cabinet Nancy Wanjau. This marks a key step in the Deputy President’s leadership of governance and public administration matters, aligning with the government’s broader agenda of national development.
As part of his strategy to build closer connections with citizens, Deputy President Kindiki also embraced the pulpit as a platform for engaging with the public. On Sunday, Kindiki visited Jesus Palace of Praise Church in Mwatate, Taita Taveta, where he delivered a powerful message about the state of the country’s economy. In his first public address as Deputy President, Kindiki highlighted the positive movement of the Kenyan shilling, emphasizing its improvement from Sh165 to Sh127 against the US dollar. “When our shilling is strong, it shows that our economy is doing better because lower-class citizens can now manage their livelihoods,” he said, reinforcing his focus on improving the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.
In his diplomatic role, Deputy President Kindiki embarked on his first international assignment, representing President William Ruto at the swearing-in of Botswana’s new president, Duma Gideon Boko, in Gaborone. During this visit, Kindiki engaged in bilateral talks with President Boko, focusing on areas of cooperation such as climate change, trade in coffee and tea, tourism, beef farming, horticulture, mining, and regional peace. The talks also addressed the welfare of the more than 1,200 Kenyan citizens residing and working in Botswana, with Kindiki reaffirming Kenya’s appreciation for Botswana’s treatment of its professionals.
“The government of Kenya appreciates the cordial treatment accorded to our professionals, who have made significant contributions to the governance and education structures in Botswana,” said Kindiki, underscoring the importance of fostering strong diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Back in Kenya, Deputy President Kindiki continued his engagements at the official residence in Karen. He held a series of leadership meetings, including one with Labour and Social Protection CS Alfred Mutua. The discussions centered around the government’s initiative to create one million jobs per year through the export of labor programme. The Deputy President emphasized the government’s commitment to setting up ICT hubs in each of Kenya’s 290 constituencies, aiming to expose youth to digital jobs that can transform their economic prospects. “Kenya is negotiating for more job opportunities abroad under the export of labor programme,” Kindiki said, highlighting efforts to secure employment for both semi-skilled and professional Kenyans.
On the same day, Kindiki met with leaders from Isiolo County, including Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo and Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, to discuss the county’s development priorities and security concerns. The Deputy President reiterated that the government is committed to enhancing security and operationalizing pending administrative units in Isiolo and other parts of the country to bring essential services closer to the people.
The week also saw Kindiki officially assume the role of Deputy Party Leader of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, following the removal of Rigathi Gachagua due to impeachment. In his first address as Deputy Party Leader, Kindiki emphasized the importance of unity within the party and the country as a whole. “The party stands for the unity, oneness, and indivisibility of Kenya,” he affirmed, pledging his loyalty to the party’s ideals and working alongside President Ruto to implement UDA’s five-pillar manifesto.
As Deputy President Kindiki continues to take charge in his new role, he is focused on driving forward the government’s agenda for national progress, including economic stability, youth empowerment, job creation, and regional diplomacy.
