Home / News / Weekly Recap: A Cabinet reshuffle, match-fixing, embracing Kosovo and Kenya Airways profit

Weekly Recap: A Cabinet reshuffle, match-fixing, embracing Kosovo and Kenya Airways profit

Weekly Recap: Kenya-China debt confusion, JB's 'exposé' and diplomatic misconduct

This week in Kenya was marked by significant political, social, and economic developments. The Cabinet reshuffle highlights ongoing political dynamics, while the sports scandal and drought crisis underscore pressing challenges. Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo reflects its growing international role, and Kenya Airways’ financial results offer a glimmer of hope despite persistent challenges.

Here is Kenya Daily Chronicle’s analysis of the top five stories in Kenya this week.

Cabinet Reshuffle: Duale’s Health Appointment and Muturi’s Exit

This week, Kenya experienced another cabinet reshuffle, sparking widespread debate on the reasoning behind the initial appointments. The appointment of Aden Duale as Cabinet Secretary for Health and the removal of Justin Muturi from the Public Service docket, replaced by Geoffrey Ruku, dominated headlines.

Aden Duale’s appointment as Health Minister has drawn significant attention, marking the third change in leadership for this critical ministry since late 2022. The main question is whether Duale will address the SHA matter more effectively than his predecessors, Susan Nakhumicha and Deborah Baraza. Duale is seen as President Ruto’s “Mr. Fix-It,” and all eyes are on how this unfolds.

This reshuffle also reflects Ruto’s ongoing effort to balance political alliances, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region, amid growing discontent. With Ruku’s nomination, Ruto hopes to minimise potential backlash from the Mt. Kenya region, as the MP comes from the same constituency as Muturi.

This rapid pace of shifts has fueled speculation about deeper factionalism within the ruling coalition, with critics arguing it undermines governance continuity at a time when healthcare and public service reforms are critical.

Harambee Stars’ Matasi Denies Match-Fixing Allegations

Sports took center stage as Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi publicly refuted claims of match-fixing linked to recent international fixtures. The allegations, which surfaced earlier this week, threatened to tarnish Kenya’s football reputation ahead of upcoming qualifiers.

Matasi’s denial was accompanied by calls for a thorough investigation by the Football Kenya Federation. Fans and analysts are divided—some see this as a smear campaign against a rising team, while others demand transparency to protect the sport’s integrity. This story underscores the challenges of maintaining credibility in Kenyan sports amidst a history of governance issues.


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Drought Crisis Escalates in Northern Kenya: Emergency Declared

A severe drought gripping northern Kenya escalated this week, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency in counties like Turkana, Marsabit, and Mandera. Reports indicate that livestock deaths have surged, and water shortages have displaced thousands, with aid agencies warning of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Specific statistics indicate a 30 per cent increase in livestock deaths and over 10,000 people displaced. While the government pledged increased funding and international support, this crisis, worsened by climate change, tests Kenya’s disaster response capacity and could strain relations between Nairobi and pastoralist communities if aid falters. This story has reignited debates over long-term solutions to recurring droughts. Several aid organisations, including the Red Cross and World Food Programme, are involved in relief efforts.

Kenya Recognises Kosovo: A Diplomatic Milestone or Blunder?

On March 26, Kenya made international headlines by recognising Kosovo as an independent state – the first country to do so in nearly five years. The move attracted an immediate response from Serbia, which vowed unspecified “diplomatic and political measures.”

This recognition comes amidst the ongoing complex historical context of the Kosovo-Serbia conflict. The move aligns with Kenya’s growing assertiveness on the global stage but has sparked debate domestically. Some praise it as a bold step to enhance Kenya’s geopolitical clout, while others question its implications for relations with Serbia and Russia, Kosovo’s key opponents. This decision could also potentially open up new economic and trade opportunities with Kosovo.

Kenya Airways Reports First Annual Profit in a Decade

Kenya Airways (KQ) has marked a significant milestone in its financial recovery, reporting a net profit of KSh5.432 billion for the full year 2024, a remarkable 124% increase year-on-year. The airline’s latest earnings underscore the success of its strategic turnaround plan, Project Kifaru, which aims to restructure operations and reduce debt, and has been pivotal in steering the company back to profitability after years of financial turbulence.

However, a closer look at the airline’s financial statements reveals some challenges. Despite the strong net profit growth, the consolidated income statement shows a 12 per cent decline in net profit/loss after tax compared to 2023, suggesting that rising operational costs or other expenses may have offset some of the gains from revenue growth. Total income for FY2024 stood at KSh188.495 billion, up 6 per cent, but operating costs also rose to KSh171.873 billion, a 5 per cent increase from the previous year. This indicates that while KQ has made significant strides, cost pressures remain a concern.

The airline’s balance sheet reflects a mixed picture. Total assets grew slightly to KSh197.804 billion from KSh196.402 billion in 2023, but total equity attributable to owners remained negative at KSh108.294 billion, highlighting the airline’s ongoing struggle with legacy debt and liabilities. This legacy debt includes loans and financial obligations accumulated over the past decade. Compared to Ethiopian Airlines, a regional competitor, KQ still has a long way to go in terms of financial stability.

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