What You Need to Know
A recent survey has identified the top-performing heads of parastatals in Kenya, with William Ruto of KPA and Waqo Erjesa of KEMSA among the top ten. The study, conducted by Microtrack Africa, evaluated performance across 290 constituencies, focusing on leadership effectiveness in enhancing public services and operational efficiency.
Africa-Press – Kenya. A new nationwide survey has ranked the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) boss, William Ruto, and the Kenya Medical Supply Authority managing director, Waqo Erjesa, among the top 10 best-performing heads of parastatals.
The five-month study covered all 290 constituencies and used face-to-face household interviews with 5,000 registered voters aged 18 and above.
According to the survey by Microtrack Africa Kenyans were asked to rate parastatal performance using a Likert scale that graded institutions from “very poor” to “excellent.”
Topping the list as the best performing head of parastatal is Henry Rithaa, CEO of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA).
According to the survey, Rithaa was credited for advancing youth empowerment through the NYOTA programme that provides training, mentorship, and seed capital to young entrepreneurs across wards nationwide.
NYOTA distributed Ksh 25,000 to over 100,000 youths nationwide, which helped them to start their business. The programme is also set to roll out phase two of the distribution, which will see beneficiaries receive an additional Ksh 25,000 to support their enterprises.
Coming second was Mohammed Shurie, who leads the Water Resources Authority (WRA). He was recognised for digitising services through a customer portal and mobile app that has improved permit applications and payment processes.
Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), CEO Bruno Linyiru, closed the best three list where he was recognised for strengthening regulatory enforcement and protecting farmers through crackdowns, especially on unlicensed macadamia dealers and processors.
For expanding access to electricity to rural areas and for championing renewable energy, Rose Mkalama, the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), was also among those listed. She was highlighted for breaking barriers in the sector, which has always been considered a male-dominated sector.
The survey also spotlighted Phillip Mainga of the Kenya Railways for overseeing major railway expansion plans aimed at improving regional connectivity and trade.
Coming in position six is KEMSA, CEO Waqo Ejersa, who was recognised for instituting reforms that have improved the reliability and efficiency of medical supplies distribution following past challenges at the agency.
Captain William Ruto, Managing Director of KPA, earned praise for modernising port operations, improving cargo throughput, and reducing vessel turnaround time to position Kenya as a regional maritime hub.
Norah Buyaki, Director General of the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), was acknowledged for supporting SMEs with tailored financing solutions and promoting industrial park development across counties.
The ranking further included Charles Muasya of the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) for spearheading major irrigation projects such as the Galana-Kulalu Dam aimed at boosting food security.
Rounding off the list is Silas Kinoti, Director General of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), credited with improving urban mobility through expanded feeder road networks in towns and cities.
According to the survey, the poll sought to assess public awareness of parastatals, their mandates, and which leaders are viewed as delivering exceptional results.
The research applied a random, multi-stage stratified sampling method proportionate to voter population size (PPS). Interviews were conducted in English and Swahili, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 per cent at a 98 per cent confidence level.
In Kenya, parastatals play a crucial role in the economy, providing essential services and driving development across various sectors. Over the years, the performance of these entities has been under scrutiny, prompting surveys to assess their effectiveness and public perception. This recent survey reflects a growing emphasis on accountability and transparency in public service delivery, as citizens demand better governance and results from their leaders. The recognition of outstanding leaders is part of a broader effort to encourage excellence and innovation within these organizations.
