The National Council of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) has lauded President William Ruto for nominating seasonal, trusted and able leaders into the cabinet to spearhead his development agenda.
During a press statement led by the council chairman Mr. Stephen Cheboi at the council office in Nyayo House, the council noted that all the nominated cabinet secretaries have the dedication, political goodwill and know-how to address the challenges facing Kenyans.
“The NGO council believes that the cabinet secretaries will put the interests of Kenyans first and not their individual interests,” said Mr. Cheboi.
Mr. Cheboi also applauded the president for maintaining the 2/3 gender rule by nominating seven women out of the total 22 in his cabinet. “Even though the goal was 50/50 we hope the upcoming nominations will have more women to ensure the realization of the gender rule as enshrined in our constitution,” Said Mr Cheboi.
Other council members also expressed confidence in the new cabinet noting that they have the ability to deliver in the positions as most of them are tried, trusted and able leaders like Musalia Mudavadi and Alfred Mutua among others who have been in leadership for many years. “This is a multicultural cabinet with equality and justice to take this country to another level,” said Bakhisa Bashir one of the council members.
The council also addressed the issue of drought that is currently being experienced in most parts of the country by acknowledging the measures by the government such as the recent disbursement of relief food to drought-affected counties.
The NGO council called upon the government to come up with sustainable measures to address challenges to food security by coming up with a long-lasting solution. They also called upon the government to consider involving the NGO council in food distribution either as observers or watchdogs to ensure that food disbursed reaches the needy in society.
Members of the council embraced and recommended the use of the Shamba system that was recently proposed by the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to aid in increasing food production in the country if well utilized.
“By 2023, the government should not be providing relief food in the country, we should work on the agricultural sector to ensure there is sufficient food for all in the country,” added Mr. Cheboi.
The council also urged the president to embark on maintaining peace in the country, transform the already struggling economy and provide able leadership to transform the Kenya Kwanza Vision and make it a reality for the betterment of the people and the country at large.