Outgoing Treasury CS Ukur Yatani has expressed gratitude to former President Uhuru Kenyatta for entrusting him with the position.
In his appreciation letter to Uhuru, Yatani lauded the former head of state for having confidence in a native of an ASAL area to head such a powerful docket as the exchequer.
Yatani also stated that his appointment to the cabinet was a patriotic call, not a privilege, and vowed to remain loyal to the president even after the lapse of his presidential term.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of my family and my religion, please receive my profound gratitude and thanks,” he said.
He recalled being appointed Labor CS for the first time in December 2017, adding that he vowed to support Uhuru realize his socioeconomic development agenda.
He went on to recall his appointment as Treasury CS on July 25, 2019, and confirmation in January 2020.
Yatani noted that he was the first Finance Minister from the Northeastern region, and that Uhuru was a great mentor throughout his tenure.
“On a personal level, allow me to thank you immensely for your mentorship and trust. I can only hope that I lived up to your expectations with the trust you bestowed upon me with the sensitive office of the National Treasury. You are a great leader who always sees the best in everyone and your confidence in me will never be in vain,” said Yatani.
He went ahead to enumerate some of the achievements the National Treasury posted under his tenure.
According to Yatani, he was able to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 7.5% as of 2021 despite facing the Covid 19 pandemic and, the rising of fuel and food prices.
He also took pride in growing the country’s overall revenue by 22.5%, thus surpassing the KSh 2 trillion mark.
Importantly, Yatani also noted that during his three-year tenure, the budget deficit reduced from 8.3% to the current 6.3%.
Yatani said the ministry helped strengthen relationship with investors, bilateral and multilateral partners, restoring Kenya’s economic stability.
“This was evidenced by the three successful reviews of our 39-month IMF program under the Enhanced Credit Facility (ECF) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF),” he said.
He went on to say that relations with the IMF aided in addressing the Covid 19 pandemic, debt vulnerabilities, and reforming state-owned enterprises.
“Furthermore, because of our good international standing we successfully negotiated three successive Development Policy Operations (DPOs) with the World Bank,” he said.
Yatani stated that the country’s economic management during the pandemic contributed to its global respect.
He stated that his election to chair the AU committee of 15 Finance Ministers (F15) in Morocco in June 2022 evidenced this.
“Beyond the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict” was the meeting’s theme.
Yatani chaired the EAC Sectoral Council for Finance and Economic Affairs.
He also served as Chair of the Horn of Africa Institute (HoA1) in December 2021, as well as Kenya’s position at the United Nations COP26 Conference in Glasgow, Scotland.
The outgoing CS praised Uhuru, calling him a dedicated leader and a well-meaning person.
“In the period that I have worked and interacted closely with you, I have come to understand you not only as my President and a personal friend but as a well-meaning person who always meant the best for all Kenyans.”
