Governor Rotich appoints Kibaki's aide to economic team

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich has appointed former President Mwai Kibaki’s aide Nick Wanjohi to his administration’s budget and economic forum.

Rotich appointed Prof Wanjohi to the economic think tank, which comprises Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Deputy Governor Susan Koech and Jubilee Holdings Limited Group CEO Julius Kipng’etich.

Wanjohi served as the private secretary and economic advisor to the late President Kibaki.

He was also the former Vice Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

In a gazette notice dated April 11, 2024, the Governor also appointed Timothy Kipchumba and Alex Kibet, who will represent the business community and the youth respectively, in the budget and economic forum.

Rotich said the think tank, which also has Ronald Kipchumba and Anderson Kipkoech, representing academia and professionals respectively, will serve for five years.

“Prof Wanjohi was part of President Kibaki’s economic and social council and I am confident he will bring in his rich expertise and experience,” the governor said.

"He represents Elgeyo Marakwet County’s external linkages in the team. He is currently a university lecturer in Nairobi," he added.

Governor Rotich said he was banking on the team of economists to turn around the county’s economic fortunes.

He identified job creation and growing of household income as key areas of focus for the economic team.

“The team will offer guidance on priority sectors that will spur economic growth, job creation and increased household income,” said Rotich.

“I am also banking on the team’s expertise to attract investment in Elgeyo Marakwet. We will work together to champion the use of available resources and turn them into high potential sectors during," he added.

The governor is optimistic that Dr Koech, who served as Principal Secretary in the State Departments of East African Community, Regional Development, and Wildlife will inject her experience in management.

The county has in the last year embarked on the revival of pyrethrum and coffee sectors in a bid to grow incomes. 

The think tank, which includes agricultural expert Prof Paul Kimurto, will also offer guidance on the county’s ongoing contract farming comprising East Africa Breweries Ltd sorghum production deal.

Magdalene Kiyeng represents civil society groups in the economic team.  “We expect our farmers to earn more than Sh 100 million from sorghum. Last year, they tried and harvested 485 tonnes earning Sh18.5 million. I am confident that they will do better, with our support this year,” the governor said about the county’s contract farming.