- A recent survey conducted by Mwelekeo Insights showed differing degrees of trust in the three Cabinet secretaries nominated by President William Ruto in January.
- Lee Kinyanjui obtained the highest approval rating for his qualifications at 85.9%, whereas William Kabogo garnered 74.6%.
- The survey indicates that the appointments strengthened Ruto's political clout in certain areas but weakened his position in others.
Ivan Mboto, a journalist from Pawonation.com.co.ke based in Kenya, boasts more than three years of expertise in covering political and contemporary issues within the country.
President William Ruto is gearing up for a possible Cabinet restructuring as a recent survey conducted by Mwelekeo offers perspectives on how Kenyans view three significant appointments from January.
The study surveyed 11,813 participants via online questionnaires and phone calls. It evaluated the educational backgrounds, appropriateness, and general trustworthiness of Lee Kinyanjui, William Kabogo, and Mutahi Kagwe.
What is the perception of Kenyans towards Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui?
Lee Kinyanjui, the ex-governor of Nakuru, stood out as the candidate with the highest academic credentials among the trio, with an impressive 87.9% of those surveyed agreeing he was fit for the position of Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Industrialization.
An additional 65.8% showed faith in his capability to excel in the role, pointing to his prior tenure as the governor of Nakuru, chairperson of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), a cabinet minister, and a Member of Parliament.
Nevertheless, 29.4% of those surveyed were skeptical about his ability to follow through, with an additional 4.8% being unsure.
Regarding their overall faith in Kinyanjui’s leadership and efficacy as a CS, 60.2% viewed it positively, 33.8% considered it moderate, and 6% had reservations.
How do Kenyans view William Kabogo as the ICT Cabinet Secretary?
The selection of William Kabogo as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy has sparked varied responses from different quarters.
Out of all respondents, 74.6% recognized his academic credentials as adequate for the position, whereas 13.5% did not agree with this assessment. Additionally, 11.9% remained uncertain about the matter.
Regarding confidence in his capability to succeed, merely 65.8% of participants felt assured about his performance. In contrast, 21.8% were undecided, and 11.4% had their reservations.
This significant degree of ambiguity indicates that a substantial portion of the populace remains unconvinced about Kabogo’s fitness for the position.
Overall confidence in his leadership as ICT CS was quite high, with 73.8% rating it highly, 18.7% viewing it moderately, and 7.5% considering it low.
How is Mutahi Kagwe doing as the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture?
Mutahi Kagwe, widely recognized for his role as the Health Cabinet Secretary throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, has been named the new Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development.
According to the survey, 74.3% of Kenyan citizens think he has the required educational background for the position. In contrast, 17.2% remained uncertain, and 8.5% did not agree with this notion.
Regarding performance confidence, Kagwe received a 65.8% approval rating, while 29.3% expressed doubts and 4.9% were uncertain.
Factors contributing to public trust in his abilities included his prior role as Health Chief of Staff and his time serving in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.
The general confidence levels in Kagwe’s leadership as Minister of Agriculture stood at 69.2% high, 25.9% moderate, and 4.9% low, which positioned him as the most favorably regarded amongst the three individuals appointed.
The influences of Kinyanjui, Kabogo, and Kagwe
In addition to personal evaluations, the survey also measured the political repercussions of Ruto’s January appointees.
The results suggest that these appointments have bolstered the president's clout in certain areas but diminished it in others.
Ruto's approval ratings experienced a notable increase in Central Kenya (+10%) and Nakuru (+8%), probably because of Kinyanjui and Kabogo being appointed.
Nonetheless, his impact decreased in rural regions by 5%, along the coast by 7%, and in Nairobi by 12%, indicating growing discontent in these areas.
Looming Kenyan Cabinet reshuffle
On Wednesday, January 15, local newspapers emphasized the potential for a Cabinet reshuffle by Ruto.
According to The Daily Nation, the president intends to introduce two experienced politicians from the Mt Kenya East region, Kiraitu Murungi and Peter Munya, as a means to offset Rigathi Gachagua’s influence.
Reports suggested that Water CS Eric Mugaa might be removed from his position as Ruto aims to win back backing in the area.
Following Ruto's alliance with Raila Odinga, several of Odinga's supporters are speculated to be aiming for prominent positions within the executive branch.
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