Moses Kuria Scoffs At Critics Praising His Removal From Trade Ministry

Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Thursday, October 5 brushed off critics who were the first to celebrate his reshuffle to the Public Service docket from the Trade Ministry by President William Ruto.

Speaking during the launch of Garissa County Aggregation and Industrial Park, Kuria hinted at the critics asking for another Cabinet reshuffle in six months, whether it comes by surprise or not.

He vowed that he would work even harder in his new docket to ensure that the Kenya Kwanza government succeeds in its first term, and beyond if voted in again in 2027.

Moses Kuria speaking at the launch of Garissa County Aggregation and Industrial Park on October 5, 2023. /CITIZEN TV

"I have many enemies, and I don't care because we say in our land that an elephant cannot be defeated, even with its tusks. No matter who comes, I will continue to do my work for Kenya,” vowed Kuria.

He added," I can bet one thing, those who are celebrating that I've been removed from this ministry, within six months, will be asking for a cabinet reshuffle because of how I will work to ensure the government of William Ruto succeeds."

The former Gatundu MP warned them that he would cause even more trouble for them now that he spearheads a docket which will see him coordinate all ministries in the Kenya Kwanza government.

"If you were troubled by me when I had just one ministry, what about now when I am coordinating all ministries,” he posed.

The CS, who has served as Trade CS for a year, was transferred to the Public Service Ministry while his place will now be taken by East Africa Community (EAC) CS Rebecca Miano in changes announced on Wednesday. 

During the same address, he revealed that he thought of sending his Principal Secretary to Garissa following the restructuring, but he continued with his work after much convincing from Garissa governor Nathif Jama.

"As you all know, there were Cabinet changes and the governor called me yesterday asking whether I would still come to preside over the function. I thought of sending the PS but he told me that for such a historic launch, I should be the one to attend. I made the decision to come at once," Kuria said.

"The government never sleeps and keeps on working, regardless of where we work. The Cabinet has a duty to assist the president in delivering his duties. Now, I will be in the Public Service docket, handling service delivery, and performance contracts. But even if I was given the Gender docket, I would still do it exceptionally, because all Kenyans need effective service delivery."

The CS remarked how he transformed the Trade Ministry in the 11 months he was at its helm, citing the launch of 15 industrial parks as well as boosting local manufacturing through foreign deals.

After the reshuffle, questions emerged on who would oversee the launch of the industrial park between Kuria and Miano. However, the CS has not yet handed over his duties to Miano and is still at liberty to perform the tasks assigned to him at the Trade docket.

"CAIPS Groundbreaking launch planning in progress. Preparations are underway for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Garissa County Aggregation and Industrial Park slated for this Thursday," read his tweet dated October 3, 2023, which added, "The event will be graced by Governor Nathif Jama and CS Moses Kuria."

Moses Kuria, since assuming office, has been launching industrial parks across the country to boost value addition to Kenyans and enhance productivity, launching 15 projects in just three months under the national-county government partnership.

Through the projects, Kuria invites both local and foreign investors to inject funds into the venture. In the current financial year, the government projects to set up 47 industrial parks across all counties at a cost of Ksh4.7 billion.

Should Miano take over, she will be required to maintain or improve the standards set by Kuria and will also be tasked with steering a sensitive docket which has witnessed negative publicity over the insensitive remarks made by Kuria mainly on X (formerly Twitter).