In a heartfelt statement titled “I Tried My Best in the 30 Months I Served,” former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has reflected on his impactful tenure in President William Ruto’s government, highlighting significant achievements in job creation, industrialization, and public service reforms.
Kuria, who also served as a senior economic advisor in the Office of the President, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Kenya’s development.
Kuria pointed to the establishment of 13 County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, set to begin operations in 2025, which are expected to create employment opportunities primarily for Generation Z.
He further announced that an additional 18 parks will come online in 2026, with the remaining 16 counties expected to join by 2027.
“Before these developments, 35 out of 47 counties had never experienced industrialization. This makes my heart bleed. I did my best,” Kuria stated, linking youth unemployment to the lack of production and an overreliance on imports.
Kuria expressed pride in the progress made in economic zones, stating, “In 2026, doors will open in new zones in Vipingo Kilifi, Dongo Kundu in Mombasa, Naivasha, Eldoret, Busia, Sagana, and Muranga.”
He also celebrated the licensing of the first Services Only Free Zone at the Two Rivers International Financial Centre, which is now active with investors.
On the international trade front, Kuria highlighted his success in breaking a seven-year deadlock with the European Union, concluding an Economic Partnership Agreement in just seven months.
Additionally, he noted that Kenya became the only country outside India to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.
Kuria emphasized his efforts to boost public service accountability, stating, “I tried to instill a sense of accountability and productivity among those lucky enough to be paid a salary by the taxpayer. It is still a work in progress; a daunting, long journey, but I did my best.”
He also recounted his role in the groundbreaking of the Global Centre for Adaptation at the Kenya School of Government, describing it as a culmination of a significant push that began with his first site visit on November 6, 2023.
Reflecting on reforms in the National Youth Service (NYS), Kuria mentioned that recruitment in 2024 was conducted through a ward-based allocation formula. “My time there was cut short before I could achieve this, but I did my best,” he added.
Kuria also highlighted the creation of a joint platform, Ajira 360, aimed at coordinating agencies involved in employment.
“Creating jobs for young people, especially Gen Zs, started as a commitment but ended up as an obsession,” he remarked.
As he concludes his tenure, Kuria expressed his dedication to the nation, stating, “In the 30 months that you, my countrymen and women, gave me that opportunity and graciously paid my salary, I did my best.”
His reflections underscore a commitment to fostering economic growth and addressing the challenges facing Kenya, particularly in the realms of youth unemployment and industrialization.
Written By Ian Maleve
