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New man at CBK helm

Written by Peter Ndiangui

Wednesday, 07 March 2007

Nairobi is teeming with opinion that is dismissive of the newly appointed governor of the Central Bank, characterizing him as deficient of ‘real banking experience'.

As is compulsory in our country, a lot of the rejection of Prof. Ndung'u is hinged on the thought that the governor needed to come from another 'tribe'. Let's ignore those sentiments and focus instead on the theory that the Central Bank Governor needs to have a history in the banking industry. This line of thought by banking executives is upon close scrutiny totally baseless. Looking first at the role of the governor, or if we called it the job description, it can be derived from the mission statement of the entire Central Bank, which is

"Maintaining price stability and fostering liquidity, solvency and proper functioning of a stable market-based financial system"

Further, the specific objectives of the bank are enumerated as follows on the CBK website. Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Act, 1996 as follows:

Principal Objectives
1. The first principal objective shall be to formulate and implement monetary policy directed to achieving and maintaining stability in the general level of prices

2. the second principal objective shall be to foster the liquidity, solvency and proper functioning of a stable market based financial system

Secondary Objectives
Without prejudice to the generality of the above two principal objectives, the Bank's secondary objectives shall be to:

1. Formulate and implement foreign exchange policy

2. Hold and manage its foreign exchange reserves

3. License and supervise authorized dealers in the money market

4. Promote the smooth operation of payments, clearing and settlement systems

5. Act as a banker and adviser to, and as fiscal agent of the Government; and

6. Issue currency notes and coins

It is clear then, from the two principal objectives, that what is most important is that the governor enjoys an advanced and technical knowledge of economics; in addition to being of strong independent character and leadership capability. This is also reflected with regard to the secondary objectives.

The governor is not expected to be an expert in each and every field. A competent and intelligent person with a background in economics would be capable of leading the Central Bank towards a realization of these objectives; whether through his own initiatives or by delegation of authority and supervision. The core attribute, as with every large organization is leadership..

To listen to those against his appointment, one would think Prof. Ndung'u has been brought out of the academic wilderness. The reality is that he has been the director of the Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis, a data-driven organization that carries out real research on economic issues in order to advise the government on micro and macro-economic reforms. Supervising the big picture while maintaining high integrity at the central bank is what is required of the governor. The day today operations of the bank are a different calling altogether, duties that the former acting governor Jacinta Mwatela can very ably carry out, relying both on her vast experience and her intricate knowledge of the systems there. It would be a great loss to the country to have her abilities diluted by imposing on her an office that would deprive her of the time and flexibility to have a full impact on the bank's running.

The optimization of Central Bank processes is not the role of the new governor, he would be much more useful to the nation using the strategic positioning of Central Bank's role through monetary policy to spur stable macro-economic environment for rapid economic development in the country.

The Central Bank is not in the business of banking as such contemplating new branches or such expansionary strategies. Rather its obsessions should be the quality of its data capture and the formulation of strategy based on this information. This data related to inflation, money-supply, interest rates and other such measures of economic health are entirely familiar to Prof. Ndung'u and he should have no problem stepping right in.

We have seen in the past what credible outsiders have been able to do at CBK, both in Micah Cheserem and later in Dr. Andrew Mulei. They both were instrumental in bringing back order to the nation's financial system, stabilizing interest rates and run-away inflation in post-2002. Micah Cheserem was arguably the saviour of Kenya's finances in the late 1990's. Also prior to his ouster, Dr Mulei's record at the Central Bank was stellar in spite of the fact that he had not been a CBK insider nor did he have 'hands-on' banking experience. His origins at the Institute of Public Policy did not stnad in the way of his delivery of service to the bank and the country.

Prof. Ndung'u needs to be let to do his job, banking experience or none.

Peter Ndiangui
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opportunity cost
written by Tim Norwood , March 07, 2007

Everyone I know, including this writer seems to think very highly of Mwatela. So did the President and his advisors think what message they were sending out to her, and to all upstanding Kenyans by rejecting her like this.

I see your point about her operational nous being invaluable, and raise you the fact that she is close to retiring now, and is a talismanic figure in the circles of integrity.

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circles of integrity
written by emmo opoti , March 07, 2007

I am not sure I can access those, but yes the opinion on Jacinta Mwatela seems to be unanimous. Jaindi Kisero thinks very highly of her too, naming her the best governor Kenya has ever had.

I like him do not see why she was passed over, although I do not agree with Kisero's judgement that it is a move meant to facilitate tabia mbaya at the bank with regard to the election. I mean if Ms. Mwatela is still in charge of Operations, how will these go through?

On the tribal issue. It may seem trivial, especially to those from the favoured tribe. A short walk down memory lane to the 1990s may provide a painful jolt to the consciousness. Also unlike yourself or Kisero, may Kenyans see Cheserem purely through the tribal prism, and do not appreciate his talent at all.

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Of Competence and Tribe
written by Kamale , March 07, 2007

Quite a bit has been written about the new governor, but the political analysts see tribe and elections and totally ignore competence.

As for Jaindi Kisero, he only seems to see things through the history of Mwatela. Unfortunately and this man is a good journalist, he seems to have drawn the conclusion that Mwatela succeeded (if she did) for being resolute against government authorities, but offers little in her role as governor with regard to economic management! Did I hear someone recently criticise the bank for not lowering the CBR even with the fall in inflation with whimpers that the commercial banks may have been in cahoots about this?

Where I think Kisero errs is in his suggestion (indirectly) that the new governor may not stand up to the government should it decide to print money this being an election year or manage fiscal discipline on the same grounds! I found it grossly unfair for Kisero to suggest that Mwatela would have managed that! You see the impression that Kisero creates in my mind is that we have an irresponsible government that could commit economic harakiri just to win an election!! This is the same government that has been hailed for fiscal discipline over the last few years. In any case I do not understand how the govenment after all these efforts at streamlining the economy would turn around and wrecklessly do all the things people seem to fear in an election year!!!

So what about this tribe thing we have pinned on the poor governor.

Perhaps with the number of professionals on this forum, I could pose the question:

Who among you can take up a government job (or any other job) if they realised that the consideration for their appointment was not based on their professional qualifications but actually their tribe? If I were in that position, I frankly would not take that job as I would view my appointment more from a tribal tokenism point of view than my professional qualifications.

Perhaps if the new governor is convinced that his tribe was the basis upon which he was appointed, he could offer to resign!

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the idealist in me.
written by Newafroguy , March 07, 2007

My thing here is this. We need to strive by whatever means, even by lobbying our MPs' to have a law enacted that subjects all strategic appointees to parliamentary scrutiny. We as stakeholders in the Kenyan enterprise need to know more about such individuals than just their intellectual acumen. What about their character and integrity?

I beleive that had the new governer been appointed after some vetting, no one would see tribe or "election tabia mbaya."

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perceptions and tribe
written by Dave Nyambati , March 07, 2007

"A competent and intelligent person with a background in economics would be capable of leading the Central Bank towards a realization of these objectives"

Very good quote. Part of the presidential responsibility in Kenya should be to assure the that wanainchi have the perception of a fair and balanced executive. This is the only way to defeat tribalism in Kenya. I am not saying that Prof. Ndungu is not competent but could Kibaki not have found someone just as competent from a different tribe?

Why does our government practice affirmative action toward women? It is to give the impression of fairness in appointed leadership roles to maintain balance. It is not that a man would not do the job just as well! The administration has to be sensitive to wanainchi's perceptions to restore trust and goodwill in the governement. Otherwise the next president will find a compentent governor from his/her tribe!

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...
written by Kamale , March 07, 2007

We promote tribalism by looking at where Nyambati or Kamale comes from. Tribalism is in the minds of those who see things through the way people have reacted on this appointment.

My own view of a tribal appointment was like in the case of Moi appointing Eric Kotut as CBK governor as the man was not qualified for the job. No one raised an eyebrow when Cheserem was appointed governor even though he came from Moi's backyard! Simple reason being the man was competent.

What we are suggesting here when we talk of a need for regional balancing is actually to deny Professor Ndung'u a job simply because he is a kikuyu notwithstanding his qualifications!

Are there other Kenyans with similar qualifications? Probably yes, but all these critics continually fail to give us names of such people.

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rabble rouser
written by Kamau , March 07, 2007

Given the performance of Kenyan banks and they way they treat customers with their exorbitant fees and outlandish interest rates, I would think the last thing we would want is one of those vultures controlling the economy. The banking sector in Kenya has proved to be completely incapable and out of touch with the economic requirements of a developing country like Kenya. So those that are calling for a governor with banking experience need to get their heads examined. It’s asking the mongoose to guard the chicken coup.

To me that governor of the central back is like the chairman of the Federal Reserve in the United States. This is a role for an economist not a banker, the principle role of job is understanding various economic factors and how they interact to affect the overall economy. The principle tool used is the banking rate that they adjust to stem inflation or encourage growth/spending etc which in some cases conflicts with the wishes of the banking community.

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On qualification and parliamen
written by Kenyanomics , March 07, 2007

Am not amused by the appointment. We all know that parastatal jobs are reserved for the big man's home boyz. This happened with the colonial government, Kenyatta, Moi and now Kibaki. Any other president be it Raila, Mudavadi, Kalonzo, Ngilu, Muiru, Ojiambo, or Ruto will do the same.

The parliament must start approving appointments of senior civil servants. But September House attendees (MPs) are busy politicking on elections. The most vocal ones ("saviors" in ODM) preferred to board the next flight to London.

I dare say that not all home boyz are bad boyz. Githongo and Cheserem (not quite sure of him) are good examples of uncompromisable home buddies. But will Professor Njuguna join this men? Only time will tell.

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...
written by obamab , March 07, 2007

Country economics and politics are not mutually exclusive. the appointment of Prof. Ndung'u cannot be justified by any theory. I see we are arguing that the prof. does have what it takes to be the governor of CBK, but we also agree that the person he is replacing was equally qualified. having said that I'm still yet to see a convincing argument that tells me why we would overlook someone who has run the CBK for about the last 6 months with someone who will probably take as long to get into the system.

another bone of contention is the morel of the civil servants who have been working with the bank, with the illusion that they may work up the ranks. admittedly the president does have the authority to appointment the head of the CBK, but this again should be part of the reforms being pushed. there is no real justification (yet) for why the acting CBK head was overlooked.

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written by Jackson Omondi , March 07, 2007

This is ridiculous! Are we saying then that Mwatela did not have the required skills to take the job? Are we saying that being a member of an organisation for 28 years and being very successful at work does not merit some sort of recognition.

Kamale and Emmo seem to think there is nothing Kibaki can do at the Central Bank in an election year. I am sure you also thought Anglo-Leasing was impossible. Open your eyes.

This sends all the very wrong signals, Kibaki is not naive, he knew this reaction was coming. To persist with the decision even with this knowledge is evidence that evil is afoot.

Jack.

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Kisiero very wrong on Mullei
written by pndiangui , March 07, 2007

Dr Andrew Mullei is a published scholar. But it was during his tenure when, for the first time, we experienced — in March 2004 — a boycott of Treasury Bill auctions by the big commercial banks.
This statement is by Kisiero. It presents an analysis meant to fit his convenience of serves topresent an outsider and an academic in CBK in the bad light.
Basically economic sense dictates the T-Bills had to be boycoted by how low the intrest rates were during Mullei's tenure in 2004,If I remember this event right it, even prompted the IMF to intervene in asking CBK to raise rates. T-Bills went to an all time lower of less than 1% but later stabilized at at around 5%. They have remained around this much to the benefit of the Mwananchi trying borrow money for any economic activity. This took an economist who technically as an outsider took strides in reducing the cash-Ratio drastically and that was Mullei. A sister daily of which Kisiero edits for has that insight here

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This is about competency
written by pndiangui , March 07, 2007

We can introduce the 'tribal' thing , but this was meant to assess the competency of Prof. Ndungu against the backdrop of murmurs from the banking community in Kenya that he wasnt capable of delivering since he lacked 'real banking' experience.
Looking at the FED
Today, the Federal Reserve’s duties fall into four general areas:
•conducting the nation’s monetary policy by influencing the monetary and credit conditions in the economy in pursuit of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates
•supervising and regulating banking institutions to ensure the safety and soundness of the nation’s banking and financial system and to protect the credit rights of consumers
•maintaining the stability of the financial system and containing systemic risk that may arise in financial markets
•providing financial services to depository institutions, the U.S. government, and foreign official institutions, including playing a major role in operating the nation’s payments system
A bios for the current chairman of the US federal reserve bank might also provide us with another yardstick to guide our insights of what we may think of a Prof. Ndung’u academic experience and also based on the above principle roles of ‘The fed’ viz a viz those of the CBK .

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...
written by emmo opoti , March 08, 2007

Kamale,
Respectfully are you insinuating what I think you are? That Kibaki's government is essentially different from Moi's? That there is a quality to it that protects it from a need to increase money supply so as to fund pork projects in an election year?

Don't you think you are taking us for a ride? Again respectfully, we have in the last four years witnessed just about enough to convince us that this is a lie. Its the same old story.

I do not know who is hailing the government for its fiscal discipline. Certainly it was a laudable move to take monetary policy away from the Treasury.

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i support the appointment
written by anonymous , March 08, 2007

i generally support the appointment. i dont consider myself a tribalist neither im i not aware of the tribal dynamics in kenya.

the position of CBK governor in my opinion is an intellectual position - we need a person who can direct the policy of the republic and also someone whose ideas and knowledge will influence the economes odf east africa and others attitude towards africa.

in considering the the goverenor we should also consider other african governors - tito mboweni, charles soludo
of nigeria and L. K Mohohlo of botswana
bankers that have made a name on the international scene.

kenya is on the threshold of economic revolution and we need the most competent person at the helm to guide policy

regarding legislative oversight on appointments - i support it. that however our legislature as constituted is ill equiped for this. it for this purpose that we need an upper house or senate that is less driven by partisan interests to handle this oversight.the
case of ringera is good guide to this
to this day the supposed legislative oversight of he's appointment has greatly undermined he's authority

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Musical chairs
written by Marangu , March 08, 2007

Bw Ndiangui, you make a compelling case for Prof Ndung'u, we Kenyans have been through this over years, people plucked from all over the show and instantly made to head organisations. A number of questions for those who support this move:
What about employee loyalty?
If people have committed the better part of their working life to an organisation, and have persevered and risen through the ranks to senior positions, should they not be recognised and and where possible give them the position even if they do not have the hallowed title before their name?
Would it not have served the organisation interest better to have Prof Ndung'u in a senior position of sorts first, get him to understand the CBK as an organisation and its culture?
And is this appointment not essentially setting up the guy to fail like a good number of the other govenors before him?
And what makes Mrs Mwatela so unsuitable?
Are we any closer to achieving the goal of equity in Kenya with such moves?
And why does it sound more and more like the good Prof would have done a better job consulting for the government either in Treasury or even CBK?
Why do I sense anxiety on the people at CBK charged with orientating this guy, where do they start? definations of common banking lingua? policies and procedures? 'sacred cows' to look out for and protect? parking?
Finally, why did this appointment come accross as one of those Baba Moi appointmentments that happened at 1pm 'Taarifa ya habari'? :roll:

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written by J Odida , March 08, 2007

Kamale,
Do you know anyone who greeted the appointment of Cheserem with any respect? Do you live in Kenya?

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Unfair
written by kendirangu , March 08, 2007

Considering the current political temprature, there is nothing Kibaki will do right this year.
I think what is unfair about the Prof, is that he has been tried and found wanting even before his first day at work. This is unfortunate, the criticism should have been leveled on those who appointed him not on the guy.

I'm also not sure the media and the banking would have accepted anyone with open arms apart from Mwatela regardless of the tribe.

Worse still we scream and cry and point to the problem of tribalism in public offices without asking: whose responsibility is it to stop this ?
It wouldn't cost the opposition MP's alot to score one over Kibaki here.

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written by a guest , March 08, 2007

the choice is between having policy developed locally or thru the IMF if u want the IMF to develop policy as it is now and has been doing thru the last 3 governors - through the 'the policy framework for growth and poverty reduction' then all we needs is an administrator and mrs mwatela would be superb - but if we need locally developed policy then the dr is the right candidate.

incidentally parliament rejected the idea of splitting the chairman and governor position which would incidentally have allowed mrs mwatela to
retain administrative control and have policy run by policy wonks.

so much for parliamentary oversight - IMHO opinion parliamentary oversight in our current setup will not work - if our parliament can barely make laws how then will it find time to approve all the various public appointments.

anyway im just tired of everyone looking at issues thru a tribal prism

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The new governor
written by pndiangui , March 09, 2007

The governor outlined some of his objectives yesterday
as he took office .
I especially liked this line if he could well walk his talk;
"CBK should not blindly follow IMF or World Bank policies, but seek partnerships once it develops policies that are consistent with the country’s development agenda,” said the professor. “We are going to seek our own solutions and then seek developing partner support.”
The fact that he can see the sense of an independency from the IMF and World-Bank is itself very crucial. On the other hand , the fact that he can relate his job description with the vision 2030 , shows a man aware of the big picture. Let us give him time to see if he walks his talk.

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written by Marangu , March 10, 2007

We could all live in eternal bliss if we chose to think tribal appointments do not exist in Kenya, fact is they do and we have seen them in all the successive administrations in Kenya.
Was Prof a tribal appointment, probably not, but the timing and and the exact circumstances leading to edging out Mrs Mwatela begs answers. If asking these questions is beating the tribal drum, so be it. The debate generated in this article has not tended to discredit the good Professor, rather merely question the appropriateness of the appointment given the credentials of the incubent.

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One of our own at the Money Su
written by Job , March 12, 2007

This is an election year and no matter how loyalists try to rationalize Jacinta Mwatela's booting and Njuguna Ndungu's appointment as Governor of CBK, perceptions suggest otherwise.

Jacinta Mwatela's academic qualifications and 30yr experience at senior level in the same CBK does not compare with her independent-mindedness which was twice displayed during the Goldenberg inquiry and during the Charterhouse Money laundering querries when she proved she wouldn't budge to pressure from "above" & be complicit to illegalities.

Some of these traits seem to run in families, Jacinta is sister to none other than former fiery Wundanyi MP Mwashengu Mwachofu, a peoples watchman who kept the KANU government on it's toes.

Jacinta may have thus been "unfit" to influence monetary policy towards shifting money supply during political campaigns.

It seems likely that the stage has been set for that. Many Narc-K activists could be eagerly lining up awaiting to drop bags of cash onto campaign rallies from choppers -the Stanley Livondo (Ikolomani)way.

Very interesting probability, we may be trying to re-live 1992 YK-92 and Jirongo's printed-cash fiasco which later led to unprecedented high inflation & shilling devaluation!

This is yet another story of gender and minority discrimination at the alter of having "one of our own" running a crucial station for political expediency.

Curiously, as if to avert public rebuke, the powers that be chose a Professor from among "our own" to rebut and avert any questions regarding qualifications. He had to appear more learned than Jacinta Mwatela. Very brilliant! But wait a minute, why is the public still not buying into it and complaining instead?

Probably because the President has contributed through his own commissions and ommissions towards the nation's tense ethnic animosity which is almost at an all-time high.

The centre of the nation's money supply tap (& monetary policy), just like the Treasury (revenue collection & fiscal policy), are now percieved to be both in the hands of men from the President's own tribe. And curiously, that equation being completed just prior to the general elections! It is as simple as that.

A birds eye view of the Treasury, CBK and other Finance appendages of Kenya.

FINANCE MINISTRY (Controls Finance, Banking, & Economy in general):

Minister- "Our own" Amos Kimunya
Asst. Minister- Peter Kenneth
Permanent Secretary - Joseph Kinyua Economic Secretary - Kamau Thuge
Pensions Secretary - Anne Mugo Budgetary Director -P.B.Ngugi
ERD Director - Kenneth Mwangi D/Finance Secretary -Mwirichia

CENTRAL BANK OF KENYA:

Governor- Prof. Ndung'u
Ag. Dep. Governor - John Gikonyo

CONSOLIDATED BANK OF KENYA:

Chairman - Phillip Njuki
Chief Executive - David Wachira

KENYA REVENUE AUTHORITY

1. Commisssioner General: Michael Waweru

2. Board Secretary: Mrs Ng'ang'a
3. Senior Deputy Commissioner, Investigation and Enforcement:
Mr. Joseph Nduati
4. Deputy Commissioner, Investigation and Enforcement: Mr. Namu Nguru
5. Deputy Commissioner, Administration: Mr. Karimi
6. Deputy Commissioner Procurement: Ms. Murichu

7. Commissioner Customs:
Mrs. Wambui Namu
8. Senior Deputy Commissioner (Customs): Ms. Githinji
9. Deputy Commissioner, Enforcement (Customs): Mr Maina
10. Deputy Commissioner, Finance: Ms Wachira

11. Commissioner Domestic Taxes (LTO)- Mr Njiraini

12. Deputy Commissioner: Mrs. Mwangi
13. Senior Deputy Commissioner, Finance: Mrs. King'ori
14. Senior Assistant Commissioner, Security: Major Kariuki
15. Senior Deputy Commissioner, Southern Region: Wagachira
Non-GEMA top employees were sacked in 2006. Search in eastandard.net
archives (5/8/2006) or

CAPITAL MARKETS AUTHORITY:
Board Chair - Chege Waruingi
CEO -Edward N'talami

DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT: Chief Procurement
Officers - 23 out of 36 first appointees are all from GEMA.

KENYA RE-INSURANCE CO:

Chairman of Board - Nelius Kariuki
Chief Executive - Johnson Githaka Financial controller - John Kinyua (The latter two were just recently sacked for grand
corruption.)

And thus, Ndungu's is just a piece of a big but puzzling puzzle. I am left puzzled!

Job

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Chant Down Tribalists!
written by Kara , March 13, 2007

President Kibaki’s appointment of Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u as CBK Governor is more a case of poor political judgment than of tribal chauvinism. You’d think that it was so obvious to foresee the political heat that the appointment would generate considering that Ndung’u is a kikuyu like the president, and the fact that Kenya’s political psyche rings tribalism on everything. But then again the fact that that political reaction was a no-brainer predicting, makes me believe that Kibaki had no tribal inclinations while considering the appointment. For objective observers, political astuteness should be the benchmark for arguments against the appointment, rather than whipping up unnecessary tribal sentiments like we have witnessed.

If Kibaki were to consider the tribal sentiments, conspiracy theories, and all the malicious propaganda that would be leveled against him because of his appointments, Kenya wouldn’t have any kikuyu or anyone from the Mt. Kenya region in the cabinet, nor the civil service to the glee of many. But that would be a big blow to justice and merit.

It is those who choose to see kikuyu rather than merit in Kibaki’s appointments that are in deed tribalists, and think tribal. I look forward to a day when Kenya can have a president and a VP from the same tribe—unlikely as that may be in Kenya, and no tribal sentiments will generate. This naïve thinking of “it’s our time to eat” is really dragging us behind socially. Let’s emulate our Tanzanian neighbors with regard to this tribe thing.

So long as people can perform well in their appointed positions, I see nothing wrong with appointments such as the new CBK governor’s. Only tribalists would have a problem with that. For goodness sake, let’s give the new governor a chance, and Kibaki a break. Let’s quit looking for tribal arguments in every move that Kibaki makes—it is fatiguing, uncalled for, unfair, unnecessary, unfounded and petty. Wakabila washindwe!

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Kara
written by Newafroguy , March 13, 2007

I agree with you that we shouldn't consider every issue from a tribal or conspiracy perspective.
However, the reality is that Kenya is a multi-ethic state that is still very far from becoming a true nation. It is therefore imperative that leaders act prudently and recognize the sensitivities arising from such diversity.
Previous regimes have exploited this weakness and in '02 we had a chance to begin afresh. I believe that's where the problem starts. Many feel betrayed because NARC and Kibaki made promises of breaking from these past excesses yet nothing seems to have changed. If you look at the ministers and permanent secretaries of most key ministries today you will notice an unmistakable "gema" clique in major leadership areas. I think people just want our national opportunities to reflect our beautiful diversity. I believe that resentment and mistrust have been fueled by the current regime's arrogance and impunity over key issues such as Anglo leasing corruption, Artur brothers fiasco, and the referendum thing.
The onus is on the government to show goodwill by being responsive to wananchi rather than just asking wananchi to have faith and believe that everything is innocent.

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