Former Trade Cabinet Secretary and senior economic adviser Moses Kuria has reflected on his 30-month service in President William Ruto’s administration, expressing gratitude and detailing achievements in a heartfelt statement titled “I Tried My Best in the 30 Months I Served.”
Kuria highlighted strides made in job creation, industrialisation, climate action, and public service reforms during his tenure. A key highlight was the establishment of 13 County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, expected to start employing young people, especially Gen Z, from 2025. He noted that an additional 18 parks are slated for 2026, with the remaining 16 counties joining by 2027.
Lamenting that 35 out of 47 counties had not experienced industrialisation before his efforts, Kuria linked this gap to high youth unemployment and overreliance on imports.
He also celebrated progress in Special Economic Zones, noting upcoming developments in Kilifi, Mombasa, Naivasha, Eldoret, Busia, Sagana, and Murang’a. Additionally, Kuria announced the licensing of Kenya’s first Services Only Free Zone at the Two Rivers International Financial Centre, now active with investors.
On international trade, Kuria broke a seven-year deadlock with the European Union, finalizing an Economic Partnership Agreement in just seven months. He also steered Kenya into a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, making Kenya the only country outside India to do so.
Kuria emphasized his push for accountability in the public sector, calling it a “daunting, long journey,” and acknowledged efforts in climate action, including launching the Global Centre for Adaptation at the Kenya School of Government.
He pointed to reforms in the National Youth Service (NYS) with a new ward-based recruitment formula in 2024, and his role in transitioning to the Taifacare healthcare programme.
In job creation, Kuria founded Ajira 360 to coordinate employment initiatives across agencies, describing it as an “obsession.”
“In the 30 months that you, my countrymen and women, gave me that opportunity and graciously paid my salary, I did my best,” Kuria concluded.
