Former Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Investment, Moses Kuria, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ministry’s performance under his successors appointed by President William Ruto in the last one year, suggesting they should step aside if unable to deliver results. “Niongee Initoke,” he declared.
Kuria, who previously represented Gatundu South constituency in Parliament, served as Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary for approximately 11 months, from September 2022 to October 2023.
His tenure was followed by appointments of Rebecca Miano and Salim Mvurya to the position.
Decline in Economic Initiatives
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kuria detailed what he perceives as a significant deterioration in key economic programs he had initiated.
He particularly emphasized the collapse of various industrial development projects that were meant to create employment opportunities for Kenya’s youth population.
Wacha niongee initoke. Industrial Parks Dead. Special Economic Zones Dead. Export Processing Zones Dead. Manufacturing down to 6% of GDP. Foreign Direct Investments lowest in 20 years. Exports as % of GDP 10% down from 28%. After trying the big shoes by Rebecca Miano and Salim…
— Hon.Moses Kuria,HSC (@HonMoses_Kuria) December 21, 2024
Economic Indicators Show Downturn
In his assessment, Kuria highlighted several concerning economic metrics. His direct quote painted a stark picture of the situation. He said,
“Industrial Parks Dead. Special Economic Zones Dead. Export Processing Zones Dead. Manufacturing down to 6% of GDP. Foreign Direct Investments lowest in 20 years. Exports as % of GDP 10% down from 28%. After trying the big shoes by Rebecca Miano and Salim Mvurya, I hope @GovLeeKinyanjui will make a difference.”
He wished the newly nominated CS for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui well.
Of particular concern to the former CS is the manufacturing sector’s contribution to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which he claims has reached historically low levels since his departure from the ministry.
He currently serves as a Senior Economic Advisor to President Ruto.
President Ruto appoints former CSs to new roles #TujueMedia Moses Kuria Eliud Owalo #Ruto
— Tujue Media (@TujueMedia) August 23, 2024
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