Moses Kuria, a key ally of President William Ruto and one of the architects of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), has officially resigned from government, bringing to a close a high-profile three-year tenure in public office.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, Kuria confirmed that he had met with President Ruto, who “graciously accepted” his resignation. His latest role was as Senior Economic Advisor at State House, a position he held for 10 months following stints as Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, and later Public Service, Delivery and Performance Management.
“I thank President Ruto for having given me the opportunity to serve in three different portfolios,” Kuria said, adding that he would now pursue personal interests. He did not provide further details on his next steps but signed off his message with: “Long live Kenya.”
Kuria, the former Gatundu South MP and founder of the Chama Cha Kazi party, was instrumental in crafting the Kenya Kwanza coalition’s 2022 economic platform. Despite being shifted through three powerful roles, his tenure was frequently turbulent—particularly during his time at the Trade Ministry, where his combative approach triggered conflicts with stakeholders and fellow Cabinet members.
A reshuffle in October 2023 saw him reassigned to the newly created Ministry of Public Service, a move widely seen as a political downgrade. His subsequent appointment as Senior Economic Advisor was interpreted as a way to preserve his policy influence without courting controversy.
Kuria’s departure has already sparked speculation about underlying tensions within the Kenya Kwanza alliance and the broader implications for the 2027 political landscape. A known mobilizer with national ambitions, he is now seen as a potential wildcard—either plotting a political comeback or transitioning into a strategic role outside government.
While President Ruto has yet to issue a formal statement, sources at State House described the resignation as cordial and long-anticipated. Political observers believe Kuria’s exit could be a bellwether for deeper changes within Ruto’s Cabinet, which is under increasing scrutiny amid economic discontent and calls for performance reforms.
