NAIVASHA, Kenya- President William Ruto has praised National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for what he described as an outstanding performance, particularly his ability to explain the government’s economic agenda and policies to Kenyans.
Speaking in Naivasha during a retreat bringing together senior leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Ruto said Mbadi quickly understood the administration’s economic policies after taking over at the Treasury and had communicated them effectively to the public.
“It was not difficult for Mbadi when he went to the National Treasury to understand and explain what we were doing,” Ruto said.
“And he has done it better than any other person. Let us give credit where it is due.”
The President attributed Mbadi’s effectiveness partly to his political experience and understanding of public engagement, saying the Treasury CS had distinguished himself in communicating complex economic decisions to ordinary Kenyans.
“We have had two CSs in this administration who have been at the helm of the National Treasury,” Ruto said.
“You all agree, either by virtue of him being an MP or understanding the nuances of politics and public engagement, CS Mbadi has distinguished himself in a very significant way.”
President Ruto said Mbadi had played an important role in explaining the government’s economic programme and defended the performance of Cabinet Secretaries in communicating the administration’s policies.
“And he has explained to the people of Kenya what we are doing, and so have all other CSs. I must congratulate them,” he said.
Mbadi’s tenure at Treasury
Mbadi took over the National Treasury after the departure of economist Prof Njuguna Ndung’u, who served as Treasury CS from October 2022 until July 2024.
Ruto nominated Mbadi in July 2024, and he assumed office on August 8, 2024, following a Cabinet reorganisation that coincided with the formation of the broad-based government.
Before Ndung’u, Ukur Yatani served as Treasury CS under former President Uhuru Kenyatta until the transition to the Ruto administration after the August 2022 General Election.
Mbadi’s tenure has coincided with intense public debate over taxation, government spending, debt management and the cost of living, making communication of economic policy a politically significant task for the Treasury.
UDA-ODM retreat
Ruto’s remarks came as he led senior UDA and ODM officials at the Naivasha retreat, which is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two political formations.
The meeting brings together Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretaries, governors, Members of Parliament, senators, parliamentary leaders and other officials from the two parties.
The retreat is expected to review the progress of the UDA-ODM partnership, address issues arising from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) and discuss the future of the broad-based government arrangement.
Leaders are also expected to chart the political direction of the partnership ahead of the August 2027 General Election, as the two formations seek to consolidate their cooperation.
