David Ndii has stepped forward to defend the appointment of economic advisors including Professor Sylvia Kang’ara to a high-level advisory position in government.
Ndii’s robust defense comes in the wake of criticisms leveled by various quarters, including allegations of nepotism, patronage and failure to adhere to merit-based selection criteria.
His defense came in response to criticism from Prof. Migai Akech, who labeled the appointment of President Ruto’s economic advisors as “patronage at its worst.”
“A merit-based hiring process entails a public advertisement and invitation for all persons who think they’re qualified to apply. This did not happen here. Patronage at its worst is what it is. And we will say it, whether or not they like it” commented Prof. Migai Akech.
Advisory Positions are Political- Ndii
In a quick rejoinder, Ndii countered Akech’s claims, asserting that the appointment process adhered to the prerogative of the president and highlighted the political nature of advisory positions.
“This warrants response. It’s hard to believe that there is a person at this level who does not know that advisors, like the cabinet are political, and prerogative of the president. You want to be a judge, PS, CEO, member of a commission those are open,” stated Ndii.
He emphasized that advisors, much like cabinet members, are often chosen based on their personal ties to the president and their contributions to the election campaign and manifesto.
“Most of the advisors and quite a few CS’s and PSs earned their stripes in the campaign and were personally known to the president before the election,”
“They contributed to the manifesto. Thats why I say confidently we are the vision carriers. That is how it works everywhere,” said Ndii.
Also Read: Miguna Counters David Ndii’s Stance on Ruto’s Ksh1 Billion Allocation to Advisors
Ndii Defends Appointment Criteria
He defended Prof. Sylvia’s appointment, citing her track record and leadership qualities as decisive factors.
“Now let’s come to Prof Sylvia’s job. In my line of work, you live and die by the team you build,”
“If you are looking for someone to build and lead a high-performance team, who would you chose a person with track record e.g. build a law school from scratch or the likes of this navel gazing ivory tower academic with no leadership track record and a penchant for getting into public brawls with colleagues and employer?” Ndii posed.
Also Read: Sylvia Kang’ara: Havard Graduate Serving in Ruto’s Council of Economic Affairs
The economist who was involved in headhunting Prof. Sylvia, emphasized her ability to build and lead high-performance teams, contrasting her accomplishments with what he described as “navel-gazing ivory tower academics.”
“If any proof that the likes of this man (Prof. Migai Akech) are no fit, and universities are full of them, it is the fact that he felt compelled to come here to demean a professional colleague unprovoked,” Ndii remarked.
President William Ruto appointed members of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) alongside the Office of Fiscal Affairs and Budget and the Office of the National Security Advisor as part of the government’s goal to fully operationalize the presidential system.
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