Kabarak University had the privilege of hosting Mrs. Mercy Wanjau, Secretary to the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya, for her first official visit. Mrs. Wanjau, a highly respected commercial lawyer appointed to her esteemed position in October 2022, was warmly received by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Kiplangat. Her visit was marked by insightful discussions on the role of higher education in nurturing the next generation of leaders, particularly in the field of law.
The visit commenced with a courtesy call to Prof. Kiplangat’s office, where the two engaged in a meaningful dialogue, exchanging perspectives on the role of education, governance, and the importance of legal training in supporting national and regional development. Mrs. Wanjau was then escorted to the university boardroom, where she met with the university's leadership team, including the Dean of the School of Law, Prof. John Ambani, and faculty members, reaffirming Kabarak University’s commitment to fostering a robust legal education that aligns with national governance standards and values.
During her visit, Mrs. Wanjau delivered an engaging lecture tracing the origins of the cabinet to the 17th-century British Privy Council, originally a private advisory body to the monarchy. She explained that in Kenya, the cabinet functions as the highest decision-making authority in government, with responsibilities that include formulating and implementing public policies. These policies, once decided upon, are binding on all government officials, ensuring a unified approach to governance and consistency in national leadership.
Mrs. Wanjau further outlined the organizational structure of Kenya’s cabinet, which includes the President, Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, and other key officials. She highlighted the critical need for coordination and collaboration within the cabinet to enable effective decision-making. Through a rigorous, consultative process, cabinet decisions are crafted to be well-rounded and address the diverse needs of the Kenyan public, a testament to the high standards of governance upheld by the institution.
The lecture concluded with an inspiring question-and-answer session, where Mrs. Wanjau responded to inquiries on the operational intricacies, roles, and challenges encountered by the cabinet. She discussed the essential role of synchronization in government service delivery, emphasizing that cabinet committees and Principal Secretaries are vital to the successful implementation of policies. While cabinet committees focus on specialized areas, Principal Secretaries handle the day-to-day operations of government ministries, working collaboratively to ensure that cabinet decisions translate into tangible outcomes that strengthen governance and benefit the public.
Mrs. Wanjau’s visit and lecture highlighted Kabarak University’s mission to engage with distinguished leaders and emphasized its commitment to maintaining academic programs that are relevant, innovative, and impactful. Her insights into the intricacies of Kenya’s governance structure left a lasting impression on both faculty and students, reinforcing the university's goal of developing future leaders grounded in integrity, excellence, and service to society.
