Uhuru to Cabinet: It is now business unusual

President Uhuru Kenyatta has hailed his new Cabinet as talented, competent and one that reflects the face of the nation.

Speaking after the nine new Cabinet Secretaries were sworn into office at State House, Mr. Kenyatta welcomed them to government but also warned against misusing their new positions.

“This is not a platform of self-actualization and pandering to ego, it is a rare calling and honour bestowed to very few…” said the president.

Mr. Kenyatta said the Cabinet should help meet his key “Big four” pillars for the second term; food security, affordable housing, manufacturing and affordable healthcare.

“My government promises to give Kenyans better services. Kenyans expect an open, transparent and accountable government,” added the president.

In a show of might, the president warned that he expects the Cabinet Secretaries to put in the work to ensure his agenda is fulfilled.

“It is now business unusual not as usual…” he said. “Should you at any time feel the weight is too much, just say so, there are other Kenyans ready to take up the job,” he said.

Nine Cabinet Secretaries took the oath of office; Prof. Margaret Kobia (Public Service, Youth and Gender), John Munyes (Petroleum and Mining) Amb. Monica Juma (Foreign Affairs) Farida Karoney (Lands, Housing and Urban Development) Peter Munya (East African Community and Northern Corridor Development)  as well as Keriako Tobiko (Environment and Forestry) Simon Chelugui (Water and Sanitisation) Ukur Yatani (Labour) Rashid Achesa (Sports and Heritage).