In a country where youth unemployment is a major national challenge, the age of people who are appointed to serve in public offices is important.
In fact, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto included their “youthfulness” as a strategic brand value in their campaigns.
Away from the political podiums and the campaigns, the two leaders continue to retain and appoint old people in key positions of public service.
Pulselive.co.ke compiled a list of 8 officials who have either been appointed or retained in strategic public service jobs under President Uhuru’s reign.
Manu chandaria 89 years
The billionaire businessman is perhaps the oldest Kenyan who holds a public service job.
Only a year to his ninth decade, the industrialist continues to serve as Chancellor of the Technical University of Kenya.
Matu Wamae 79 years
Like Muthaura, Wamae has served under all the four Presidents, starting out as the CEO of in 1969.
The octogenarian continues to chair the New KCC board after President Uhuru gave him a three-year renewed contract that will expire in 2020.
Beth Mugo 79 years
Marsden Madoka 75 years
The current Chairman of the Kenya Ports Authority served as Mzee Kenyatta's Aide de Camp and married President Uhuru's nanny.
He is one of the few Kenyans who have had the chance to serve in the public service under all the four Presidents.
Chris Obure 75 years
The former Kisii Senator became the oldest Chief Administrative Secretary after the President assigned him to the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.
In 2017, he unsuccessfully vied for the Kisii Governor’s seat on a Jubilee ticket.
The former Changamwe MP was plucked from retirement in 2016, after President Uhuru appointed him Chairman of the Kenya Ferry Services.
Francis Muthaura 71 yearsMuthaura’s career in public service started in 1972 when he served as Mombasa District Commissioner under Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta.
The 71-year old has held senior government positions under all the country’s four President.