Cabinet Affairs

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, PhD, CBS, joined fellow Principal Secretaries at the monthly Principal Secretaries’ meeting convened by the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Felix Koskei, at the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) within Konza Technopolis,Kenya’s flagship smart city and a testament to the nation’s commitment to science, technology, innovation, and knowledge-driven development.

The meeting provided a strategic platform to review progress on key Government programmes and national priorities, strengthen coordination across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and address emerging implementation challenges. Deliberations focused on productivity and performance management, public financial management reforms, food security interventions, national security, public health preparedness, government communication, and investment promotion, among other critical areas.

The discussions reaffirmed the importance of a coordinated One Government approach in advancing the administration’s development agenda and delivering meaningful outcomes for citizens. Effective collaboration, accountability, and disciplined ex*****on remain essential in translating policy decisions into tangible improvements in the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans.

As the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, the commitment to facilitating effective Government coordination, strengthening policy implementation, and enhancing the ex*****on of Cabinet decisions remains unwavering. Through sustained collaboration across Government institutions, timely resolution of implementation challenges, and alignment of interventions with national priorities, the Department continues to play a pivotal role in advancing a more prosperous, secure, and inclusive Kenya.

🌧️Rainfall is likely to continue over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Coastal region, and parts of North-eastern Kenya.

☁️Cool and cloudy conditions are expected in parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and the South-eastern Lowlands, with occasional light rainfall.

🌡️Daytime temperatures above 30°C are expected in the Coast and northern Kenya, while night-time temperatures below 10°C are likely in parts of the East of the Rift Valley and Central Rift Valley.

Wajir Hosts Historic Madaraka Day as Kenya Signals New Era of Inclusion and Transformation

WAJIR, KENYA, June 1, 2026 – For the first time since independence, Kenya's national Madaraka Day celebrations was held in Northern Kenya, marking a defining moment in the country's journey towards inclusivity, equity, and national cohesion. The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cabinet AffaIrs ,Dr. Idris Salim Dokota PhD,CBS, joined thousands of Kenyans and other government and County officials at Wajir Stadium as HE. President William Samoei Rutto, EGH, led the nation in commemorating the 63rd Madaraka Day under the theme, “Education, Skills and the Future.”

The historic decision to host the celebrations in Wajir County carried significance far beyond the annual observance of self-governance. It symbolised the government's commitment to integrating regions that have historically remained on the periphery of national development. The occasion brought together senior government officials, leaders from across the country, development partners, and residents of the wider North Eastern region in a powerful display of national unity and shared purpose.

In his address, President Ruto announced the abolition of the long-standing vetting process for national identity cards in Northern Kenya and other border counties, describing the move as a necessary step toward equal citizenship and justice. The announcement was received with jubilation by residents, many of whom have for decades viewed the vetting process as discriminatory and exclusionary. The President said all Kenyans deserve equal treatment before the law regardless of their geographical location, ethnicity, or background.

Education emerged as a central pillar of the government's transformation agenda. The President outlined plans to formally integrate Duksi, Madrassa, and pastoralist education systems into the national education framework, ensuring that learners in marginalised communities are not left behind. He further reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programmes to equip young people with future-ready skills.

The celebrations also highlighted major investments in healthcare and youth empowerment. The government announced the continued rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme across Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties, expanding access to affordable healthcare services. At the same time, initiatives such as the NYOTA Programme and Jitume Digital Hubs are expected to create new opportunities for young people by promoting digital skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment in emerging sectors of the economy.

Infrastructure development featured prominently in the President's address, with the Isiolo,Wajir, Mandera road corridor identified as one of the most transformative projects for Northern Kenya. Once completed, the corridor is expected to unlock regional trade, improve connectivity, and strengthen economic integration with neighbouring countries in the Horn of Africa. Additional investments in livestock restocking programmes, livestock value addition, climate-resilient water infrastructure, and irrigation schemes are aimed at enhancing food security and building resilience against recurring droughts and climate-related shocks.

Affordable housing projects and social protection programmes were also highlighted as key interventions designed to improve the quality of life for ordinary Kenyans. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that development reaches every corner of the country through targeted investments that address historical inequalities and promote inclusive growth.

Beyond the policy announcements and development commitments, the celebrations reflected a broader national message: that every Kenyan matters and every region belongs. For many residents of Northern Kenya, hosting Madaraka Day in Wajir represented recognition of their place in the national story and a reaffirmation of their contribution to Kenya's future.

As the nation marked 63 years since attaining self-rule, the atmosphere in Wajir was one of optimism and renewed hope. The celebrations underscored a vision of Kenya anchored on unity, equal opportunity, and shared prosperity. From the abolition of discriminatory practices to investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, the day's announcements painted a picture of a country seeking to bridge historical divides while preparing its citizens for the opportunities of the future.

The 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations will likely be remembered not only for their historic location but also for the powerful statement they made about Kenya's evolving identity, one that embraces inclusion, values diversity, and recognises that national progress can only be achieved when every citizen and every region moves forward together.

,

Happy Madaraka Day, Kenya

Today, we celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and determination of our founding fathers and all those who contributed to our nation's journey to self-governance. Madaraka Day reminds us of the power of unity, patriotism, and collective responsibility in shaping a prosperous future for our country.

As we commemorate this historic day, let us renew our commitment to national cohesion, good governance, and service to the people. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient Kenya for present and future generations.

On the blessed occasion of Idd-ul-Adha, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Muslims in Kenya and across the world. May this sacred season of faith, sacrifice, and compassion inspire us to strengthen the bonds of unity, peace, and togetherness within our communities and our nation.

As we celebrate, let us continue embracing the values of humility, generosity, and service to humanity while supporting those in need and promoting harmony among all people. May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers and sacrifices and continue blessing our country with peace, stability, and prosperity.

Idd Mubarak.