With a solid professional background in finance and banking, Esther Koimett was once tipped to succeed Henry Rotich as Treasury Cabinet Secretary.
At the time, she was serving as Transport Principal Secretary in the government of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. But it was not to be as the Head of State settled on the then Labour CS Ukur Yatani as the new Treasury boss.
Koimett, the now 64- year old daughter of former powerful KANU- era minister Nicholas Biwott would later be moved to the State department of information and broadcasting as the new PS.
At the height of his political career, Biwott was one of the most powerful people around former President Daniel Arap Moi. He served as Keiyo South MP for 28 years until 2007 when he was ousted by Jackson Kiptanui.
She served in the position until 2022 when President William Ruto took over the reigns of power from Uhuru.
As Dr Ruto constituted his government, Koimett became one of the biggest casualties after being kicked out of the Kenya Kwanza administration. She was succeeded by Prof. Edward Kisiangani, the former Kenyatta University don and renowned political affairs commentator.
But after a few months in the cold, in October 2023, Koimett bounced back in style when she was appointed as the AAR insurance board chairperson. It was a major comeback for the seasoned technocrat who was one of most trusted women in the Uhuru adminstration.
Going forward, will Koimett follow her late father’s footsteps and try her luck in the murky world of politics?
In the recent nominations of new Cabinet Secretaries by President William Ruto, Koimett was among those tipped to be considered for the position. But it was not to be.
Somehow, it was a big disappoinment for the former PS who is one of the most seasoned finance experts.
By Kenyans