President William Ruto has praised National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for what he described as outstanding performance since taking charge of the ministry.

The President said Mbadi has distinguished himself in explaining the government's economic agenda to Kenyans.

Ruto said Mbadi quickly understood the government's policies after assuming office and had effectively communicated them to the public.

The President was speaking in Naivasha during a retreat bringing together leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

“It was not difficult for Mbadi when he went to the National Treasury, to understand and explain what we were doing,” Ruto said. “And he has done it better than any other person. Let us give credit where it is due.”

The President said his administration had had two Cabinet Secretaries at the helm of the National Treasury, with Mbadi succeeding economist Prof Njuguna Ndung'u. 

“We have had two CSs in this administration who have been at the helm of the National Treasury,” Ruto said.

“You all agree, either by virtue of him being an MP or understanding the nuances of politics and public engagement, CS Mbadi has distinguished himself in a very significant way.”

Ruto said Mbadi's political experience had helped him communicate complex government policies and economic decisions to ordinary Kenyans.

“And he has explained to the people of Kenya what we are doing, and so have all other CSs. I must congratulate them,” he said.

Ndung'u was appointed by Ruto in October 2022 and served as Treasury Cabinet Secretary until July 2024. Mbadi was nominated in July 2024 and assumed office on August 8, 2024, following a Cabinet reorganisation that coincided with the formation of the broad-based government.

Before Ruto's administration, Ukur Yatani served as Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury under former President Uhuru Kenyatta until the transition to the Ruto administration following the August 2022 General Election.

Ruto's remarks came as he led senior UDA and ODM leaders in the Naivasha retreat aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two political formations.

The meeting brings together Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretaries, governors, Members of Parliament, senators, parliamentary leaders and officials from both UDA and ODM.

The retreat is expected to focus on strengthening cohesion between the two political camps, reviewing the progress of their partnership and charting the political direction of the broad-based administration ahead of the August 2027 General Election.

Leaders are also expected to discuss the future of the UDA-ODM arrangement and assess progress on issues arising from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).