President William Ruto emphasized that East African Community and Regional Affairs Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul’s responsibilities extend beyond Kenya. He noted that Askul will also serve as an ex-officio member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), highlighting her role in representing not just Kenya but also engaging with partner states.
Ruto said he was confident in Askul’s leadership skills, even as she took on her new role.
“To my sister Beatrice. I have known you for 20 years and know you are an astute leader. You have my confidence as you serve the people of Kenya in your new responsibility,” Ruto said.
“You have a responsibility not just to us as Kenya but to our brothers and sisters in the East African Community as well.”
Ruto spoke shortly after Beatrice Askul took the oath of office at State House, Nairobi. The President emphasized that there are high expectations for the new Cabinet Secretary and her colleagues from EAC partner states. He noted that Askul will be responsible for unlocking the business potential within the East African Community, highlighting that it represents the largest market for Kenyan products.
“East Africa is the biggest market for Kenyan products. The East African Community (EAC) is the most progressive in the African continent.
“A lot will be expected of you and your colleagues from the other partner states as you shepherd and steer this community to harness the collective potential of the 300 million people in the East African Community for the progress and expansion of business enterprise investment and unlocking of the tremendous potential that exists in this region as the world moves towards regional blocks and investment entrepreneurship business takes lead as the new tools of governance and informing political orientation,” Ruto said on Tuesday.
Askul is among the five Orange Democratic Movement officials who stepped down from their party roles to assume Cabinet positions. The others are Hassan Joho (Mining), John Mbadi (National Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy). Approved by the National Assembly last week following vetting by the Committee on Appointments, Askul took the oath of office alongside the new Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor.
