Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has made a notable return to government following a recent appointment by President William Ruto.
In a Gazette Notice published on November 15, 2024, President Ruto named Kidero as the new Chairperson of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) Board of Directors, marking a major step in the former governor’s political comeback.
The appointment, which takes effect immediately, will see Kidero serve a three-year term at the helm of the state corporation responsible for promoting trade and ensuring efficient distribution of essential goods across the country.
The President’s decision to place Kidero at the top of KNTC comes as part of a series of appointments aimed at strengthening the leadership of key state agencies.
As part of the changes, President Ruto also revoked the appointment of Hussein Tene Debasso, who had previously served as the KNTC board chair.
This move signals a reshuffling in leadership as the government seeks to bring in fresh perspectives and leadership to important state corporations.
Kidero’s appointment marks a significant shift in the political landscape, with the former governor bringing a wealth of experience to the position.
Kidero, who previously served as Nairobi’s Governor from 2013 to 2017, has been largely out of the public political scene in recent years, making his return a notable event.
Evans Kidero’s political career has seen both successes and challenges. As the Governor of Nairobi, he was responsible for several key projects and urban development initiatives in Kenya’s capital.
His tenure, however, was marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement, leading to his defeat in the 2017 gubernatorial race by current Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Despite his political setbacks, Kidero has remained a prominent figure in Kenyan business and political circles.
His appointment to the KNTC board is seen by many as a strategic move by the President to leverage Kidero’s experience in both public administration and the corporate sector.
As the head of KNTC, Kidero will be expected to play a central role in improving Kenya’s trade systems, enhancing the efficiency of state trading, and ensuring that the corporation meets the growing demand for essential goods in the country.
In addition to Kidero’s appointment, President Ruto also made a significant change to the Nairobi Rivers Commission, naming Anab Mohamed Gure as a new member.
Gure, who has been involved in various community and environmental projects, will serve a three-year term on the commission, effective immediately.
This appointment comes in the wake of the President’s decision to revoke the earlier appointment of Millicent Omanga, who had been offered a position with the commission but declined the offer.
Gure’s appointment is seen as an effort to strengthen the commission’s role in addressing environmental and water-related challenges in Nairobi, particularly the management of the city’s rivers and drainage systems.
Millicent Omanga’s decision to turn down the appointment has raised eyebrows, especially given her prominent role within the political and social circles aligned with President Ruto.
Omanga, a known ally of the President, had previously been a vocal supporter of the administration, and her refusal to take up the commission’s position was seen by some as an unexpected move.
While the reasons for her decision remain unclear, the President quickly moved to fill the vacancy with Anab Mohamed Gure, a choice that signals the administration’s continued focus on appointing individuals with strong expertise in governance and environmental management.
President Ruto’s recent appointments come as part of his broader strategy to ensure that state agencies are led by capable individuals who can drive the government’s development agenda.
With the Kenya National Trading Corporation and the Nairobi Rivers Commission playing pivotal roles in key sectors, these appointments are expected to contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of these institutions.
By appointing Kidero to lead KNTC, the President may be signaling a desire to utilize the former governor’s business acumen and leadership skills in tackling some of the ongoing challenges faced by the corporation, particularly in improving Kenya’s trade and supply chains.
Kidero’s experience in managing a large, complex entity like Nairobi County government could prove invaluable as he steers KNTC toward achieving its objectives.
