In the dynamic landscape of Kenyan politics, the transition from a cabinet secretary’s (CSs) role to life beyond government office marks a significant chapter in the careers of these influential figures.
With a wealth of experience gained from their tenure, former CSs are finding various avenues to remain active, engaged, and impactful in the nation’s development.
From advisory roles to political engagement, civil society endeavors, and business ventures, these individuals are shaping Kenya’s future in diverse and compelling ways.
In this article, we explore paths that some CSs who served during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s last term are taking as they continue their journey beyond the corridors of power.
Former Cabinet Secretaries Active in politics
In the run to the 2022 general elections, most of the CSs supported Azimio One Kenya Alliance flagbearer Raila Odinga.
Even after Azimio lost the elections, some of the CSs have remained vibrant in the political arena.
Also Read: Ex-CS Amina Mohamed Appointed to a Role in Zimbabwe
1.Eugene Wamalwa
The former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa is one of the opposition leaders pushing for reforms in the Kenya Kwanza government.
Wamalwa was moved from the Devolution CS to Defense CS on September 29, 2021.
Previously, Wamalwa also served as CS for Justice and CS Water and Irrigation.
Further, he is one of the politicians picked by Azimio to take part in the bipartisan talks with the Kenya Kwanza side.
Also, Wamalwa is the leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).
Among the seats that DAP-K won in the 2022 general election include the Trans Zoia gubernatorial seat.
The list of MPs who won through DAP-K ticket include; Barasa Patrick Simiyu (Cherangany), Oyugi Dick Maungu is the MP (Luanda), Bisau Maurice( Kiminini) and Peter Kalerwa ( Mumias East).
2.Peter Munya
On July 28, former Agriculture CS, Peter Munya, was named as the Party of National Unity (PNU) party leader.
In the last elections, Munya was one of the people in the race to become Odinga’s running mate.
Even after the 2022 elections, Munya remained active in politics and is still part of the opposition, Azimio Coalition.
Private Appointments
1.Joe Mucheru
Some of the CSs landed jobs in private companies due to their vast knowledge and skills in their areas of specialization.
For Instance, JUMO, which offers financial services to entrepreneurs and businesses in emerging markets appointed former ICT CS Joe Mucheru its president.
JUMO also offers credit and saving products to customers as well as infrastructure for telcos, banks, fintech and e-commerce platforms.
The company, which started in 2015, tasked Mucheru with leading its expansion, targets and spearheading its programmes in Africa.
2.Sicily Kariuki
Kariuki served as a CS for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, from January,20 2020 until the general elections.
Prior to this, she served as CS for Health, Public Service and Youth and Gender Affairs, from December 2015 until January 2018.
Currently, Kariuki is a leadership and Emotional Intelligence coach and the founder and CEO of Re-imagine Impact Associates.
Re-imagine Impact Associates is an exemplary and trusted Pan-African partner for developing exceptional leaders capable of stewarding stellar performance in organizations.
Kariuki uses her expertise, skills, passion and lived leadership experiences to support the emergence of exceptionally great leaders.
Also Read: List of 18 Degree Courses That Attracted Only One Student Countrywide
3.Najib Balala
Balala served as Tourism & Wildlife Cabinet Secretary between 2013 and 2022.
Currently, Balala is the Vice President of Flora & Fauna International (FFI) a position he took over in November 2022.
FFI is the world’s oldest international wildlife conservation organization with a mission to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide.
Moreover, the firm picked Balala to use his experience in wildlife conservation and tourism to support the charity with the future development of its work and partnerships globally.
4.Farida Karoney
Karoney served as CS for Lands and Physical Planning between 2018 and 2022.
As from April 2023, the former CS has worked as a Change leader, mentor, and patron of the FK Foundation.
Before President Uhuru Kenyatta picked a CS, she the Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Media Services, which owns Citizen TV.
Educationists
1.Margaret Kobia
The former Public Service Cabinet Secretary serves as Chancellor of St. Paul’s University of Kenya.
Prof. Kobia is a full Professor of Management and Leadership at the Kenya School of Government.
Also, Prof Kobia is a Research Professor at African Women Studies Center at University of Nairobi.
She holds a PhD in Human Resource Education from the University of Illinois USA, M.Ed. from Kenyatta University and B.Ed. from the University of Nairobi.
2. Amina Mohamed
In Uhuru’s regime, Ambassador Amina Mohammed served as Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Heritage and Culture in Kenya, Foreign Affairs and Education.
Amina Mohammed will lead a team of Commonwealth election observers in the Zimbabwe general elections which will be held on Wednesday, August 23
Before this appointment, Amina Mohamed served as the second Chancellor of the International University of East Africa in Uganda.
She was appointed to this position on Wednesday, February 16.
