Global Archives

Inside Kithure Kindiki’s First 100 Days as Deputy President – Success or Strategy?

Outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre Professor Kithure Kindiki swore his oath of office as Deputy President of Kenya on November 1 2024 and the event created a thrilling buzz of enthusiasm. Many people viewed his rise to the country’s top ranking position as the necessary end to unstable political times which ushered in a leadership based on dedication and structured management and public service.

A Deputy President Unlike Any Other

Advertisements

The impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua cleared the path for Kindiki to begin his role through an emphasis on professional achievements ahead of political commitments. The presidential support of William Ruto toward Kindiki stands in contrast to the disruptive relationship between Gachagua and the president. Kindiki maintains absolute support for his leadership while working to advance national growth instead of battling for political dominance.

The supporters of Ruto consider this appointment as his plan to gain an effective and dependable deputy who emphasizes performance above internal conflicts.

Advertisements

The true sign of development success appears in what people actually do.

Advertisements

During his initial 100 days as top minister Kindiki has proven himself crucial for sustaining government projects across the country. He has traveled through numerous regions of the country to venture into development projects which are delayed and break through administrative obstacles while promising continued development to local communities. By actively leading road construction in Kieni and Embu infrastructure improvements he has changed the possible achievements of a Deputy President.

The establishment of county development oversight teams operates directly through Kindiki’s office for the purpose of improving accountability. The teams gather frequently to evaluate the development of critical projects which helps to distribute government resources evenly among all regions. Delegates in Taita Taveta received an assurance from him that he wants to return yearly to deliver reports about progress made along with outstanding items and their justification.

Security Reforms: A Legacy in the Making

Kindiki achieved recognition for his work as Interior Cabinet Secretary both through his fight against crime as well as his efforts to transform the police force before his promotion to Deputy Presidency. Security occupies the highest priority in his professional activities since he took office while he pays special attention to the banditry hotspots of Northern Kenya. Security agency coordination efforts by Kindiki have brought down bandit attacks to a point where citizens praise his work.

The President’s Most Reliable Messenger

The appointment happened during a period when President Ruto needed a solid and efficient method to communicate government decisions. The administration experienced sharp criticism from Gen-Z protesters in 2023 which demonstrated its inadequacies in public relations.

To explain government policies the administration placed Kindiki in a position that requires him to translate relevant information to public audiences. The forums convened by him in various counties allow direct discussions with community leaders as well as professionals and religious groups about government plans.

Given the objective of this new approach the government intends to establish better relationships between officials and constituents to ensure citizen involvement and response to their questions.

Balancing Loyalty and Personal Ambition

Kindiki demonstrates a masterful capability in walking a tightrope because he continues to support his boss yet he builds his individual political platform. Instead of public political conflict he chooses to support Ruto in his leadership without facing off with him in public.

He shows independence through his strategic actions. The president relies on his deputy for important events yet Kindiki has created his own initiatives which prove his position as an independent leader.

Current speculation about Kindiki’s position remains unclear because he avoids public political confrontations while supporting Ruto’s leadership.

Kindiki used his unexpected December vacation for two weeks as his first leave period during his time at the Interior Ministry. The public speculated about his position in the administration when he did not attend both the president’s New Year’s address and the funeral of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s mother. Externa watchers raised such claims about his demotion but the Interior Minister denied all assertions as completely unfounded.

He continues to concentrate on running efficient government programs together with development initiatives at the forefront of his direction.

What’s Next for Kindiki?

The Deputy President will face his biggest challenge ahead in preserving this initial drive so he can manage expected political drama that accompanies high office.

Guidance from Ruto alone will determine the stability of his political alliance. The challenge for him will be to avoid political interference as he works to achieve his promised goals. Kindiki demonstrates potential political ambitions to seek the presidential position even though these plans remain unconfirmed

Only time will tell. This Deputy President spends his first 100 days focused on work rather than political activities according to his current office performance.

The current political environment often features ambitious motives competing with actual public service yet Kithure Kindiki brings a pristine approach to his work. Time will reveal which path Kithure Kindiki will follow: political pressure or his original path of office. The nation of Kenya continues to observe the political developments happening under his leadership.

Advertisements

IEBC Selection Panel Takes Office

Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the swearing-in ceremony which officially established the seven-member Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel on Monday.

Panel Composition

President William Ruto appointed the panel members, who include:

Kiome Lindah Gakii

Prof. Oloo Adams
James Evans Misati
Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore
Amb. Koki Muli Grignon
Carolene Kituku
Dr. Nelson Makanda
Tanui Andrew Kipkoech
Fatuma Saman

Mandate and Expectations

A supreme responsibility of the panel is to manage the recruitment process of future IEBC commissioners to safeguard Kenya’s electoral process.

Chief Justice Koome emphasized the importance of selecting individuals with:

Unblemished integrity

Impartiality and independence

Professionalism aligned with constitutional principles

Koome pointed out to the panel that as the IEBC stands as Kenya’s electoral guardian they must maintain stringent standards.

Facilitation by Parliament

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula ordered the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to give the panel everything needed for effective operations. He requested that selection procedures complete their task swiftly to solve public anxieties and adhere to constitutional deadlines.

Court Clearance

A recent High Court decision cleared the path for President Ruto to move forward with his nominee selections after dismissing petitions against the panel’s formation.

Background and Context

Verification of the choice board formed to consider appointments became a matter of public analysis because of delayed processes and rumored institutional intrusion. The IEBC had to undergo major reforms because previous electoral processes generated numerous controversies and public pressure kept mounting.

The installation of the panel is expected to lead to the IEBC’s reorganization so public trust in the electoral system can be rebuilt before new polls arrive.

TikTok’s Evolution: From Fun, Free App to National Security Threat

TikTok may be banned in the United States after the Supreme Court upheld a law targeting the app’s ownership by Beijing-based ByteDance. This brings years of concerns regarding its privacy issues as well as potential threats to national security to its peak.

The Rise of TikTok

Origins (2016-2017): ByteDance introduced TikTok worldwide after Douyin’s success in China and after acquiring the app of the same type, Musical.ly. The content of the platform began to engage global audiences as the original algorithms began to dominate its offering.

Pandemic Boom (2020): TikTok would become an overnight hit over the years of the COVID-19 outbreak leading to millions of users across the globe.

Growing Security Concerns

TikTok’s exponential growth was shadowed by suspicions of:

Data Privacy Risks: Concerns of users’ data being operated by the Chinese authority.

Addiction and Propaganda: App anxieties, especially its impact on users, especially the youthful population.

Geopolitical Implications: Increased privacy concerns owing to Sino-suspicion relationships with several countries such as India that recently banned the APP.

Targeted by the U.S.

Trump Administration (2020): Once learner and recently former President Donald Trump tried to block TikTok citing data harvesting and content moderation allegations but without subsequent proof.

Biden Administration (2024): A law was passed that ByteDance needs to divest TikTok and failure to do so was going to be banned due to risks of Chinese influence.

Legal case and controversy

Though ByteDance took steps like storing U.S. user data on Oracle’s servers, the company had never successfully shake the doubts. It continued with high profile hearings and lawsuits for ByteDance to challenge the U.S government over free speech.

Supreme Court Decision and Its Implication

On Friday the 15th of December 2024 the Supreme Court sided with the U.S. government as a law was approved to effectively ban TikTok unless ByteDance sells it to a company that is not connected to China. The app is planned to stop functioning in the United States by January 19, 2025, if no measure is taken.

What’s Next?

TikTok’s Stance: ByteDance has said that it has never provided user data to the Chinese government and urges for “comprehensive” assurances against shutdown.

Incoming Administration: Donald Trump the president elect has indirectly threatened to take an action concerning the matter.

Potential Impact: As it looks, leaving 170 million US users behind, TikTok’s departure will change the face of social media and reopen discussions on digital sovereignty .

Waiting for the final decision no more, the fate of Tiktok in the United States is now a testament of technology, political strategies and national securities.

Kabogo takes charge of ICT docket, sets tone on right use of social media

The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy William Kabogo has called on Kenyans to approach social media more responsibly especially with increasing criticism of President William Ruto’s government.

While speaking in Nairobi on Saturday after receiving a Handover from the prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, who had been the acting ICT minister, Kabogo stressed on ways to enhance sensitization of data privacy and rights of those in the digital sector.

Internet Etiquette

Kabogo said this is not in any way to curb freedom of speech but in order for people to act right on what they post online. He used an example of a recent deepfake video showing President Ruto in a coffin, while aiding from a recent AI technology trend.

“What maybe considered hilarious at 20 may have dreadful repercussions at a different age,” Kabogo noted, saying people needed to be held responsible for the decisions they take on the web.

Combating Misinformation

Kabogo further said that the ministry would defend laws prohibiting the abuse of technology as the freedom of speech was encouraged.

Dutch Royal Visit Unaffected

Speaking at his Vihiga backyard, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi also dismissed some of the concerns on the State visit, by the Dutch Royals, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima that is due in March 18th. Nevertheless, in relation to the trending hashtag #CancelStateVisit, Mudavadi came out to debunk information that the campaign would change diplomatic relations.

“We stand assured that this fellowship with the Netherlands is cordial,” Mudavadi said. “They do not reign state relations or invitations via official channels are issued over social media.

The president’s plan is aimed at improving international relations.

The appearance of the current Dutch royal couple in Kenya shows that the two countries have very good relations and trade with the Netherlands, investment and cooperation. Kabogo and Mudavadi stressed the fact that the constructive topical participation is needed in social media sites to help Kenya progress and gain a better worldwide image.

This change of guard symbolizes a new direction for the ICT docket managed by Kabogo with emphasis on the tension between Liberty of speech and being responsible citizens in the digital age.

Kenya Displays Diplomatic Achievements of 2024

Kenya has identified the year 2024 as a year of unprecedented diplomatic gains in a sign of the country’s growing influence on the international scene. The performance highlights were presented by the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and, Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi during a session held at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs offices in Nairobi.

Building up the bilateral and multilateral cooperation

During the year, Kenya strengthened its multilateral relations through diplomatic diplomacy, led by President Ruto with key landmark initiatives. Notable highlights included:

A 15 billion Japanese shillings in the Olkaria Geothermal Project Project.
The decision on granting the Kenyan government a status of a major non-NATO Ally of the US in order to increase defense and trade partnership.
Bilateral infrastructure cooperation with Uganda and Tanzania, on SGR development and issues to do with barriers to trade.

These engagements bear testimony to the fact that Kenya has a strategic place in development of regional and International cooperation elements.

Economic Diplomacy: A Catalyst for Growth

Kenya used economic diplomacy to mobilize large amounts of capital that would be used to finance infrastructure projects and generate employment. Key achievements included:

Coca-Cola has agreed to pump $175 million in the business to grow its capacity.
This commerce deal is a $274 million credit with the China Development Bank hooked on the construction of rural roads.
Accessibility to cheaper funds through Kenya’s membership on Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

These investments are expected to increase capabilities and enhance the existence of Kenya as the beacon of growth in the entire region.

Leadership on Climate Change at the International Arena

Kenya reinforced its status as a leader in climate diplomacy through impactful initiatives:

During COP29 held in Baku, Kenya effectively PUSH for the Nairobi Declaration which would increase the flow of climate finance to $ 300 billion from $100 billion.

Organizing global major events like the ACS23 and UNEA6 demonstrated that Kenya is a leading actor in coordinating action on climate change.

Empowering the Diaspora

Kenya prioritized its diaspora, focusing on job creation and economic contribution:

The agreements established offer 250,000 employment in Germany, Austria, and other countries.

launching the Mukulimas Majuu programme and setting up of the NCLEX-RN test centre in Nairobi opened up employment opportunities in foreign health care and agriculture sectors for health care and agricultural workers.

Diaspora contribution in the form of remittance increased to $4.9 billion ,17% higher than the $4.15 billion of the previous fiscal year which highly benefited the country’s economy.

Regional Peace and Security

Kenya’s leadership in peacekeeping and conflict resolution remained steadfast:

The Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti with personnel count of over 600 proved Kenyan’s pledge in global peace keeping.
The Tumaini Peace initiative in South Sudan was maintaining stability within the region as expected.

To achieve this another policy innovation has to be adopted and these are as follows;

The new compounding of the Twiga Diplomacy policy was announced by the government with the intention of synchronizing the foreign policy with modern arising global issues. To increase public awareness of diplomacy, the “Foreign Policy Mashinani” stems from the notion that.

A Vision for 2025

As he closed his year, Dr. Mudavadi pointed out on the importance of Kenya in enhancing foreign relations and the development of Kenya through partnership. He offered hope for the future more particularly December festivity and wished fellow Kenyans a prosperous new year.

The major achievements in diplomacy in the year 2024 for Kenya signifies its growing international assertiveness coupled with commitment of putting its citizens as well as the global populace to their deserved positive standard of living.

Honoring Icons: President Biden Awarded Clinton, Fox and Others the Medal of Freedom

President Joe Biden recently honored a number of great people, bestowing on them the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a sincere event that reflected the president’s core interests, major supporters, and lifelong role models.

Hillary Clinton: United States as a symbol of historical leadership

Hillary Clinton, who represented New York in the U.S. Senate and served as the Secretary of State under President Obama was honored for her many years in public service. Clinton, who has been a loyal donor and campaigner for Biden’s presidency and re-election until her departure in the beginning of the year, was applauded as she entered the White House. Her recognition proves her continuous contribution to the shaping of the America politics and diplomacy.

Michael J. Fox: An Advocate and Inspiration

The program had special features dedicated to beloved actor Michael J. Fox, who has not only starred in such films as back to the future, family ties, and Spin City, but also for raising a lot of money for Parkinson’s disease research efforts. Although Fox has been diagnosed with a condition and understandably displays signs of it, he held himself strong and got up and used the support to walk towards President Biden to receive his medal. That courage, and that optimism, touched the audience.

Edward M. Kennedy: A Political Hero Remembered

The Medal of Freedom was received posthumously by Sen Edward M. Kennedy who was a leading politician in the United States and a main advocate of progressive policies. President Biden who mentioned Kennedy as one of his “true political heroes” pointed to the fact that the senator spent most of his life in active service. Kathleen Kennedy, his daughter received the award for him and in her speech, she focused on the fight for justice and equality that her father had been fighting for.

José Andrés: Feeding Hope in Crisis

Food spots went to chef-philanthropist José Andrés, the founder of the World Central Kitchen that provides meal assistance to survivors of the catastrophes and wars. His organization has helped fed and give hope to millions of needy people; some of his team members were killed in Gaza Strip. Many of you may recall that the great soccer player, Andrés, immediately hugged the award when he received it, as this was, indeed, a result of compassion fought against cruelty.

Service Celebrations of Courage and Endurance

The Medal of Freedom award this year was not only awarded to them based on their accomplishments but also sweat, determination, and never tiring spirit of defending the country. The choices made by President Biden were consistent with the spirit of the endearment: perseverance, advocacy and unity and rallied the country to pay tribute to those who struggle to build a better world.

Ivory Coast Declares French Troops Out of the Country

Since Ivory Coast’s current President Alassane Ouattara assumed power, he has publicly stated that France is to pull out their military personnel stating that his government is charting a new course regarding the security of Ivory Coast and this process corresponds more broadly with the changes in France’s military policies in West Africa.

A Transition in Security

Speaking in his end of year message, President Ouattara noted improvements by the Iovrian defence forces, adding that the move to sever the partnership with French forces in the country is due to the country’s confidence in its growing security strength. “Today, Ivoirians should be proud of their armed modernized forces,” he said adding that French contingent had indeed pulled out in a coordinated and organized manner.

Explaining the Decline of France’s Presence in the Region

This is in consonant with the general trend of France drawing down the number of its military deployments in West and Central Africa. According to sources, France intends to decrease the regional forces from about 2,200 to approximately 600. The withdrawal comes amid resentment of French presence and military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, through which Paris has already evicted its troops.

The recent announcement from Ivory Coast also put into evidence the declining hegemonic control previously dominated by France, which colonial rule ended in sixties.

Regional Implications

With the reduction of French forces local security becomes an issue with a number of insurgencies and militant groups present in the area. In November Chad, one of the most important counterterrorism partners in the West, terminated the defense cooperation partnership with France, which also is a new blow for the French military presence on the African continent.

Strengthening Local Forces

The recent statement that the president Ouattara made regarding Ivory Coast is an indication of its eventual desire to take alternative measures in ensuring its security. It still remains a complete package in preferring local forces than external interferences in African countries as they continue to manage the turbulent security and political situation in the region on their own.

A New Chapter

The latest pull out of French troops from the Ivory Coast is one of the major geo-political changes in West Africa today. It define new dynamics of the state formation process in the area as nations redefine their postcolonial relations and turn to nationalism and autarchy in search for solutions to insecurity threats.

US Sanctions Directed at Iranian and Russia Entities for Election Meddling

The United States has targeted companies in Iran and Russia involved in campaigns of disinformation before the recent election. These activities are prohibited under the sanctions and those who engage in them will be made to face the music, the US Treasury says.

An Account of Disinformation

The Treasury Department said that the designated groups relied on fake videos, fabricated news and stories, and social media actions to turn the public and erode confidence in the American democracy. Several intelligence agencies have captured both the Iranian and the Russian governments in these coordinated efforts.

Russian Involvement

The Moscow-based Center for Geopolitical Expertise is among the organizations on this list of sanctions. American authorities’ claims of the group’s activity include creating deep fakes and fake news sites to spread misinformation. The sanctions also target the director of the involved center, associated with Russian military intelligence attacks on Western structures.

The group is said to have used artificial intelligence in producing fake news and hired US firms in promoting positive sentiments about Russia on social media.

Iranian Operations

Also, Iran’s Cognitive Design Production Center is a division of the Revolutionary Guard Corps that was also targeted. American officials say it engaged in promoting political polarization in the United States such as the protest in relation to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Iran has also been at the center of hack attacks targeting the US officials and fresh interferences with campaigns, one that has stretched the conflict between the two countries to another level.

Broader Election Interference

Labeled by intelligence as operations intended to sow distrust in the American electoral process, the meddling by Russia, Iran and other countries like China was targeted at the voters. Although Russia’s actions seemed to aid the winning candidate, Iran did not like Trump’s Presidential campaign because of his administration’s hostile actions against Iran, which include the exit from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and assassination of General Qasem Soleimani.

Official Denials

Russia and Iran have both denied the allegations. Russian embassy officials with the Russian today interfered in the internal affairs of their counterparts denying the allegations while Iranian representatives have not responded to the statement.

Implications

The sanctions show that the United States has no tolerance for outside interference with its democratic process. Another work that can be said is that they also perform as a threat to other countries planning to take similar actions, stressing possible diplomatic and economic consequences.

Building Kenya’s Future: President Ruto’s Vision for 2025

As usual in his New Year address, President William Ruto focused on the progress and problems of Kenya in 2024 and the numerous plans for 2025. His message focused on persistence, togetherness, and on building a better future, which should be considered as the program’s main themes.

Celebrating 2024 Achievements

President Ruto accepted the challenges that the nation has had to go through but appreciated the unity of purpose of the people of Kenya. Key achievements highlighted included:

Economic Stability: During the period there was an improvement in the exchange rate as the Kenya shilling gained more ground as well as sharp reduction in inflation to 2.7%. All these developments portend better practice in fiscal planning and increased investors’ enthusiasm.

Universal Healthcare: By rolling out the Taifa Care program the government also began the realization of the policy of universal health care.

Food Security and Housing: Efforts in the agricultural sector enhanced food stability and the dwelling scheme hit the million mark, which delivered 200,000 jobs for 873000 houses.

Ambitious Goals for 2025

In the future as presented by the President Ruto, Kenya had a vision that would seek to raise the standard of living of its people. His priorities include:

Economic Growth: Continual moves towards more growth of the economy and to generate more employment opportunities.

Agricultural Productivity: Improving on methods of farming or aeration and right food production to feed the starving and eradicate malnutrition.

Healthcare and Education Reforms: Enhancing the provision of services to increase the health and education literacy of the population.

Safety and Security: Strengthening measures aimed at the provision of security for people of Kenya in their everyday life and activities.

The President said that he expected these endeavors would help make Kenyans ‘better utilized in school and at work, and better fed, safer, and more secure’ in the forthcoming year.

Together We Stand! Together We Take Action: A Call to Minority Scholars for Collective Responsibility

Apart from progress in the economic and social fronts, which the president acknowledged, Ruto focused on the moral and societal vices. He encouraged Kenyans to adopt a culture of change – where every difficulty experienced was an opportunity for change for the better.

“It is therefore important that we all take our destiny into our own hands and exercise collective commitment in order to fashion out a united and prosperous Benguela,” he said, urging compatriots to embrace the culture of hard work, honesty and loyalty to the nation.

A Hopeful Future

Having said so, the President in his final remarks called on the people of the country to be hopeful and undertakings. “As one people, one country, Tanzania-Kenya/ Kenya-Tanzania, we shall realize the Kenya We Want,” he emphasized the capacity of the Kenya people in determination of their destiny.

The first leader to define the course of the Kenyan nation as it enters 2025 is President Ruto who’s vision of the future seems to inspire, challenge and demand the citizens’ cooperation in a continuing development process and construction of unity.

Controller of Budget petition reveals MPs’ expensive lavish travels.

A recent audit by the Controller of Budget shows that the three arms of government have been indulging in over expenditure on travels with MPs leading in the list. According to the report, the populace has shown little respect to the measures of stringency announced by President William Ruto in the use of public resources.

Billions Spent on Travel

The first-quarter report shows that Ksh. 3.5 billion was spent on travels within the four-month period only. This amount was used in domestic travels since it cost Ksh. 2.5 billion while foreign travels cost Ksh. 1 billion.

MPs Lead in Extravagance

The MPs have been described as being ‘honourably extravagant,’ with members of the National Assembly topping the spending list. They spent Ksh. 870 million on local business travels, and Ksh. 173 million on international travels in the review period. The Senate was very close spending Ksh. 345, 700, 000 on local travel and Ksh. 80, 600, 000 on international travel.

Other Parliamentary Organizations also could be held held responsible for this high expenditure of course. The Parliamentary Service Commission incurred a total of Ksh. 10.7 million in the costs of travel and another Ksh. 94.6 million by the Parliamentary Joint Services.

State House Travel Costs

The report also highlighted the travel expenses in the Institutional Executive branch. Domestic transport costs by the Office of the President amounted to Ksh. 11 million, and the foreign transport costs amounted to Ksh. 1.3 million. On the other hand, State House expenditure disclosed further spending of Ksh. 43 million on domestic travelling and Ksh 5.8 million on International travelling during the period July —October.

Breach of Austerity Measures

The flagged expenditures are shocking and contrary to the President Ruto’s austerity measures aimed at reducing wastage of taxpayers’ money. The report stressed the inability of accountability mechanisms in the country to discourage the misuse of public resources.

Call for Financial Prudence

The revelations made by the Controller of Budget especially concerning expenditure priorities have of late elicited controversy across the country. As billions of shillings are being emulated on travels, there is increasing pressure for improved scrutiny and a change of direction more towards the current real and fundamental needs of the nation such as health, education and physical infrastructure.

The revelation of these spending habits is the revelation of how expenditure ought to reflect the priorities of a nation, and how the money collected from the common populace is spent in the interest of such populace.