The Bottom-Up Model: Is President Ruto Building His Cabinet from the Ground Up?

Kenyan politics has always been characterized by intense competition and maneuvering as politicians seek to gain power and control over the state machinery. The latest pronouncement by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on President William Ruto's administration's hiring policy has raised eyebrows and ignited a debate on the merits and demerits of loyalty-based appointments.

Mr. Gachagua maintained that the President's government would only appoint individuals who believe in Ruto's policies, arguing that it is logical to have people committed to the government's success in power. He also stated that the administration would not discriminate against any region regarding development and that all Kenyans would be treated equally.

While it is true that having committed and loyal individuals in government is essential for the effective implementation of policies, the question is whether loyalty should be the only criterion for appointments. The danger of such a policy is that it could lead to cronyism, nepotism, and the exclusion of qualified individuals with different political persuasion.

Moreover, such a policy could lead to a situation where the government becomes insular and self-serving, with no regard for the broader interests of the country. It could also undermine the principles of democracy, implying that only those who support the ruling party or President have a stake in the country's development.

In a country as diverse as Kenya, where there are often sharp political and ethnic divisions, the danger of such a policy cannot be overstated. It could deepen the fault lines in society and create an atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion between different communities.

It is, therefore, essential that the government adopts a more inclusive approach to appointments, one that is based on merit, competence, and a commitment to serving the interests of all Kenyans. This would help to build a government that is responsive to the needs of the people and capable of delivering on its promises.

Loyalty is essential in government appointments but should not be the sole criterion. The government must adopt a more inclusive approach that prioritizes competence, merit, and a commitment to serving the interests of all Kenyans. This will help to build a government that is effective, responsive, and capable of delivering on its promises.

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