DP Kindiki hits ground running hours after assuming office

On the first day of work after his swearing-in, it would appear that Professor Kindiki is rolling up his sleeves as he takes on a pivotal role in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The roles of the deputy president have evolved since President William Ruto took an oath of office with a packed in-tray on Kindiki's desk.

DP Kindiki has hit the ground running, attending various events at the State House following his swearing-in, and taking charge of his new office and the duties that come with it.

After witnessing the president assent to the Sugar Bill on Friday, he returned to State House on Saturday for a meeting with the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), chaired by his boss.

Kindiki steps into the deputy president role amid significant political turbulence. His predecessor faced criticism for prioritizing personal political interests over national concerns. It’s a crucial moment for Kindiki to carve a different path.

"You have said you will serve without fear, without favour," Ruto said.

The role of the deputy president has morphed significantly under President Ruto's administration, shifting beyond what was originally outlined in the constitution.

Initially, in his second executive order upon taking office, the president assigned Rigathi Gachagua several responsibilities.

These included chairing public committees, overseeing the implementation of cabinet decisions, leading the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), and serving as a liaison between constitutional commissions and independent offices, among other duties.

Key Roles of the Deputy President's Office:

1. Deputize the president in executing all functions
2. Chair public committees and oversee cabinet decisions
3. Coordinate relations between national and county governments; chair IBEC
4. Liaison with constitutional commissions on national government interventions
5. Coordinate and supervise the development of partner-funded programs

"These are very heavy responsibilities that will assist me in discharging the duties and responsibilities," Ruto said at the time.

In Executive Order No. 1 of 2023, however, the head of state appointed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to take charge of coffee sector reforms and formed the Nairobi Rivers Commission, putting him in charge of cleaning rivers in the city.

Two months later, President Ruto handed Deputy President Gachagua key foreign policy responsibilities, allowing him to engage directly with international organizations and government entities. This marked a significant shift from the previous norm, where the Foreign Affairs Ministry held exclusive control over Kenya's diplomatic relationships.

However, Gachagua's time in this role was short-lived. After a cabinet reshuffle, those responsibilities were transferred to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

It is not yet clear whether President Ruto will carve out fresh paths for Kindiki or hand over the mantle of his predecessor as is, but with an eye on the in-tray, as he begins his tenure, he is expected to ensure the wheels of governance flow seamlessly.