The role played by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi in shaping Kenya's economic reforms has earned him rare public praise from President William Ruto, who says the Treasury boss will one day feature prominently in a book about his presidency.
Ruto made the remarks at State House, Nairobi, while assenting to the Sovereign Wealth Bill, saying Mbadi had provided outstanding leadership at the National Treasury as the government pursued key fiscal reforms. He also recognised Treasury officials and Members of Parliament for working together to ensure the legislative process was completed.
"Today, John Mbadi, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, is providing leadership that has never been witnessed. I can confirm to you, John, that when I write my book, you will have ample space on what you and I have discussed. And your team at the Treasury, of course, including all the other actors that have taken this to the future," the President said on Wednesday.
The Head of State also applauded the Leader of the Majority, the Finance Committee and lawmakers for what he described as their commitment during parliamentary deliberations, noting that discussions stretched late into the night as efforts were made to reach an agreement.
Ruto recalled that he was outside the country attending his daughter's graduation when Parliament continued holding consultations, saying he closely monitored the progress despite being away.
"I also must commend the leader of the majority who is here. And our members in Parliament. Members of the Finance Committee, all the members, they've been, you know, I remember on, I think it was Wednesday last week, and I was out of the country. I had gone to my daughter's graduation. And discussions in Parliament went up to midnight. Consultations outside the official space in Parliament," he said.
According to the President, constant engagement among legislators eventually led to a bipartisan agreement that placed the country's interests ahead of political differences.
"And finally, Parliament came together in a very bipartisan way and said, we must move the country forward," he said.
The President spoke during the signing of the Sovereign Wealth Bill into law, a move that lays down the legal foundation for the establishment and management of Kenya's Sovereign Wealth Fund.
The legislation is expected to help the country save surplus public resources, support strategic investments and provide a financial buffer during periods of economic uncertainty.
It also introduces a framework for managing national wealth by creating separate funds for future generations, economic stabilisation and infrastructure development, with the aim of strengthening long-term financial planning and responsible use of public resources.