Prime Minister named to high level advisory team

Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Photo/FILE

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been appointed to the crucial National Economic and Social Council.

The council is aimed at propelling the country into the ranks of emerging and fast-developing nations within the shortest time possible.

Also appointed by President Kibaki to the expanded council for three years are 12 Cabinet ministers of key ministries as well as the two deputy prime ministers.

Other members of the council are drawn from the private sector, government institutions, registered professional bodies, labour organisations and international experts.

The new appointees include Mr Odinga, his two deputies, Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi, Agriculture minister William Ruto, Environment and Mineral Resources minister John Michuki and Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi.

Information and Communication minister Samuel Poghisio, Chris Obure (acting, Roads), Transport’s Chirau Ali Mwakwere, Henry Kosgey (Industrialisation) and Nairobi Metropolitan’s Mutula Kilonzo were also appointed.

Others are Planning and National Development minister Wycliffe Oparanya, Dr Sally Kosgey (Higher Education), Martha Karua (Justice and National Cohesion) and Beth Mugo (Public Health) as well as Attorney General Amos Wako.

International experts who were appointed to the council are Engineer Lee Yee Cheong of Malaysia, Dr Chung Kunmo of South Korea, Prof Hiroyuki Hino of Japan and Dr Victor Koh of Singapore.

Other members are local experts in various fields. The high level advisory body draws members who possess diverse experiences, knowledge and skills from industry, academia, civil society and the Government.

Reducing poverty

The 38-member council chaired by the President is mandated to advise the Government on coordinated policies geared towards accelerated economic growth, social equity, employment creation and reducing poverty and inequality.

NESC, which meets at least four times a year, is also authorised to give advice to the private sector and civil society as well as provide professional opinions on development issues from time to time as may be requested.