Davis Chirchir Ranked as the Worst-Performing Minister: Survey Reveals

Minister of Energy, Davis Chirchir, has been listed as the least performing minister among all 22 ministers in President William Ruto’s government. This is according to the results of a survey conducted by the Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) company, released on Wednesday, December 13, 2024.

Chirchir, who has faced public criticism for the increase in fuel prices and sudden power outages, recorded a performance rate of 19%. Also listed in the low-performing category were Gender Minister Aisha Jumwa (with a performance rate of 23%) and Finance Minister Professor Njoroge Ndung’u, ranking third with a performance rate of 24%.

Water Minister Zacharia Njeru and Lands Minister Alice Wahome also registered the same performance rate of 24%. Other ministers in the list of the 10 least-performing ministers include Florence Bore of Labor (25%), Rebecca Miano of Trade (27%), Moses Kuria of Public Service (27%), Peninah Malonza of East African Community (EAC) (27%), and Simon Chelugui of Cooperative Development (31%).

On Monday, December 11, Chirchir faced a tough time explaining the reasons behind the third power outage incident nationwide the previous night (Sunday) at 2 a.m. The problem, lasting over six hours, significantly affected Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

This was the second power outage incident nationwide since President William Ruto took office on September 13, 2022. Meanwhile, Kenyans have been complaining about the rising fuel prices, with petrol now being sold at Sh217.36, diesel at Sh203.47, and kerosene at Sh203.06.

Additionally, Minister Chirchir has been blamed for the controversy surrounding the ownership of a Sh17 billion diesel cargo seized in the Indian Ocean while being brought into the country. Businesswoman Anne Njeri Njoroge claimed that the cargo was hers.

The dispute is still under investigation by relevant government agencies and the National Assembly’s Energy Committee, led by Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, popularly known as Kawaya.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki remains the most hardworking minister in President Ruto’s government. He was praised by 65% of the total 3,009 people surveyed in the study conducted between November 25, 2023, and December 7, 2023.

The interviews were conducted through phone calls using Swahili and English languages.

Prof. Kindiki is followed by Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi (62%), Education Minister Ezekiel Machogu (58%), Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, and Health Minister Susan Nakhumicha, both scoring 57%.