On Saturday, Treasury Cabinet Secretary nominee John Mbadi elaborated on why he is the ideal candidate for the role. While undergoing vetting, Mbadi emphasized his substantial experience in financial matters as a significant qualification. He pointed out that during his 15 years in parliament, he has consistently been a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, which is tasked with preparing the national budget.
"I served as an assistant minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, where my duties included supervising and coordinating government functions across all ministries, aligning closely with the responsibilities of the treasury," Mbadi explained. "Throughout this period, I frequently engaged with the Kenyan budget and macro-economic policies. I am well-versed in preparing the Budget Review Outlook Paper, which is an annual task, and I am confident in generating budget policy statements," he added.
Mbadi is one of five nominees scheduled for vetting today, alongside Salim Mvurya (Trade), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), and Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports).
Currently, Mbadi chairs the influential Public Accounts Committee, which oversees the accountability of ministries, departments, and agencies. He boasts 28 years of experience in finance, leadership, and politics. Elected to represent the Gwassi Constituency in the National Assembly of Kenya in 2007, he later served as the MP for Suba South Constituency in the 12th Parliament and was the Leader of the Minority Party.
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In September 2012, Mbadi was appointed Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, a position he held until the 2013 general elections. His educational background includes attending Lingongo Primary School, Kokuro Boys Secondary School, and the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce in 1996 and a Master of Business Administration in 2007.
Mbadi’s professional career includes serving as Finance Director at Medair East Africa's South Sudan Programme (2004-2008) and as a senior accountant at the University of Nairobi (1999-2003). He also held positions as an accountant at the University of Nairobi Enterprise Services (UNES) from 2000-2002 and as an assistant accountant at the University of Nairobi from 1996-1999.
