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Former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Delivery Management, Moses Kuria, recently spoke in an in-depth interview with Citizen TV’s Trevor Ombija, where he shared his thoughts on his exclusion from President William Ruto’s new cabinet, the bureaucratic hurdles stifling Kenya's development, and his vision for the country’s political future.
The interview offered a rare glimpse into the mind of the former CS who said that he will now retreat to his life as a private citizen.
“I want to lead a private life, I consider this interview to be my exit interview, this is my last interview. Even as I retreat to my private life, one of the things I will give my voice and energy to is the reform of this Constitution,” he said.
In a surprising revelation, Kuria also shared his disappointment over not being invited to the handover ceremony by his successor, Justin Muturi.
"Justin Muturi has not found it fit to call me even for a handover. Muturi is my friend of many years. You cannot be what young people are calling ‘kipendekezi’.
"I cannot pendekeza myself. It must be an invitation to do a handover. I was brought up with some mannerisms which don’t allow me to force myself on people," he said.
A Football Analogy for Cabinet Exclusion
In the wake of his exclusion from the latest cabinet lineup, Kuria displayed a remarkably pragmatic attitude.
Likening his removal to the tactical decisions made in football, he conveyed that being benched is simply part of the game.
“I’m taking it in stride,” Kuria remarked, exuding confidence in his ability to contribute to the nation regardless of his official position.
He made it clear that his loyalty to the country transcends his role in government, a sentiment he reinforced throughout the interview.
Kuria was quick to dispel any notion that he harbours resentment or disappointment over the decision.
Instead, he maintained that such shifts in government are part of a larger strategy, where the President, much like a football manager, selects his team based on the needs of the moment.
Bureaucratic Inefficiencies- A Thorn in Kenya’s Side
A significant portion of the interview focused on the inefficiencies within Kenya's government bureaucracy—a subject Kuria is particularly passionate about.
As a former Cabinet Secretary, Kuria witnessed firsthand the paralysing effect that red tape has on both domestic and foreign investments.
He shared anecdotes of investors eager to bring their capital into Kenya, only to be met with a maze of bureaucratic obstacles that delayed or entirely derailed their projects.
Kuria described these inefficiencies as a major hindrance to development, lamenting that despite the country's potential, the slow pace of bureaucracy remains a significant barrier to progress.
“It makes me sad sometimes, really sad about this country,” Kuria confessed, his voice tinged with frustration.
He called for urgent reforms within public service to streamline processes and make Kenya more attractive to investors.
Political Shifts and the Inclusion of the Opposition
Kuria also addressed the recent political shifts that have seen opposition figures integrated into the government, a move he has long advocated.
In a country where political alliances often shift dramatically, Kuria revealed that he had encouraged President Ruto to embrace a more inclusive approach to governance.
This, he argued, was crucial not just for political stability but for the overall reform of Kenya's political landscape.
“I encouraged the President to think outside the box and include the opposition in the government,” Kuria explained, noting that such inclusivity was vital for fostering national unity.
This revelation sheds light on the strategic thinking behind some of the recent appointments and provides context for the government's broader efforts to bridge political divides.
By bringing opposition figures into the fold, Kuria believes that the government can work more effectively towards common goals, thus reducing the acrimony that has often characterised Kenyan politics.
Economic Challenges and the Treasury’s Herculean Task
Kuria did not shy away from discussing the formidable challenges facing Kenya's economy, particularly the enormous task awaiting the Treasury and new CS John Mbadi.
He underscored the urgency of implementing significant reforms, particularly in cutting government expenditure and enhancing tax collection mechanisms.
With Kenya’s economy under strain, Kuria warned that time is of the essence and that bold decisions are necessary to steer the country back on track.
“The challenge is huge, and time is ticking,” Kuria cautioned, pointing to the critical nature of the work that lies ahead for the new cabinet.
He called for a comprehensive review of the country's fiscal policies, arguing that without decisive action, Kenya risks plunging further into economic difficulties.
His remarks highlight the need for a proactive approach in managing the country's finances, a task he described as both urgent and complex.
He said that if the incoming CS does not manage debt properly that Kenya's currency is likely to drop to Sh170 against the dollar.
Kuria said that Kenya needs Sh650 billion annually for education, Sh1.1 trillion to repay debt, Sh1 trillion for salaries and wages, Sh450 billion for county governments and very little to spare for development projects.
“If the IMF does not come through by the end of this month, in another 19 days, the dollar might hit Sh170 to the shilling. On Sunday when I go to church I will say a prayer for John Mbadi to hope that IMF stays engaged on this,” he said.
Advocating for Constitutional Reforms
In a broader discussion on Kenya’s political structure, Kuria advocated for constitutional reforms, particularly the expansion of the executive branch.
He argued that the current system is fundamentally flawed and does not adequately reflect Kenya’s diverse political realities.
According to Kuria, an expanded executive would provide a more stable and predictable governance framework, thereby reducing political tensions and fostering long-term stability.
Kuria criticised the existing governance model as being too narrow to accommodate the various interests and ethnic groups within the country.
He believes that constitutional reforms are necessary to create a more inclusive government that can better address the needs of all Kenyans.
He called for a rethink of the counties and a transition towards regional government. Kuria also said that put a president and his deputy as an inseparable entity was a mistake.
Concerns Over Hustler Fund Repayment Issues
Kuria also raised serious concerns about the sustainability of the Hustler Fund, citing significant challenges in repayment from the beneficiaries.
He disclosed that out of the 21 million Kenyans who have benefited from the fund, a staggering 12 million have defaulted on their loans, effectively "running away" with the money.
He further revealed that only 2 million out of the total number of borrowers can be classified as "super borrowers," meaning they are consistently repaying their loans.
Kuria's remarks shed light on the challenges faced by the Hustler Fund, a key initiative aimed at providing financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and low-income earners across the country.
The fund, which was introduced as part of the government's effort to uplift the so-called "hustlers" in the economy, now faces a potential crisis due to widespread default.
Kuria also pointed out that Co-operatives and MSME Development CS Wycliffe Oparanya, who previously expressed skepticism about the fund, now needs to shift his stance and actively work to address the issues plaguing it.
“Oparanya has to get from not believing in it to believing in it to really doing some work,” Kuria stated, implying that a concerted effort is required to salvage the situation and ensure the fund's success.
Reflections on Service and Future Aspirations
As the interview drew to a close, Kuria reflected on his time in public service with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
He made it clear that he has no regrets about his tenure and remains committed to serving the country in whatever capacity he can.
“I remain a very patriotic Kenyan, deeply concerned about the future of this country,” Kuria stated, signaling his continued engagement in national discourse.
Despite his departure from the cabinet, Kuria's remarks suggest that his influence on Kenya's political and economic landscape is far from over.