Policy impact under review as executive retreat marks midterm check

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has urged the Executive to conduct a candid, results-driven review of the Kenya Kwanza Administration’s performance during the ongoing Third National Executive Retreat.

Koskei, who also serves as the State House Chief of Staff, stressed the need to evaluate the actual impact of policies, strategies, and interventions implemented since President William Ruto took office, particularly in addressing public sector inefficiencies and wastage.

“We are evaluating the effectiveness of various interventions in addressing the loss of public resources through corruption and wastage,” said Koskei, highlighting the administration’s accountability mandate.

He noted that the retreat, which brings together Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and senior leadership, comes at a critical time — just over 30 months into President Ruto’s first term — offering a midterm moment of truth for the leadership team.

“This retreat convenes at the inflection point between promise and legacy. The midterm review we shall undertake offers us an opportunity for an introspective, thorough and honest examination of our achievements,” he added.

Koskei stated that the gathering is a core part of the accountability mechanism President Ruto has instituted to ensure public servants remain focused on delivering transformative results that reflect the aspirations of Kenyans.

“This retreat is a self-assessment platform that helps us track the progress we are making toward building a better Kenya — inclusive, equitable and prosperous for all who are blessed to call this country their home,” he said.

Beyond scorekeeping, Koskei pointed out that the retreat will refine the Executive’s vision for the next phase of governance, aligned with the broader mission of positioning Kenya as an industrializing middle-income economy with a high quality of life.

He reaffirmed President Ruto’s leadership style as one driven by shared vision, collective purpose, and strategic coordination, urging the government team to be bold in decision-making and honest in evaluating impact.

“We are conducting a candid stock-taking of our successes, lapses, best performers, strugglers and areas for improvement. This is a truthful appraisal of the legacy we are building — what we set out to achieve versus what we have accomplished,” Koskei said.