By Micah Sherem

It will be recalled that Kenya’s economy was experiencing a total melt down at the beginning of 1993.

This economic crisis resulted in high inflation running in double digits, massive depreciation of the shilling, flight of capital, lack of foreign exchange and suspension of funding by all development partners.

It became extremely urgent for President Moi to appoint a new team at the Treasury and at the Central Bank to rescue the economy from total collapse.

Honourable Musalia Mudavadi and I had the privilege of being appointed to serve Kenya during this very critical moment in the country’s history.

For those old enough to remember, the economic stagnation in the country today is somewhat similar situation to 1993.

I was fortunate to have the friendship and leadership of a relatively young Mudavadi with whom I partnered to achieve immediate results in making policy changes for national economic recovery.

Just like the present context, economic reforms meant working closely with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in crafting sound fiscal and monetary policies.

Specifically, it meant setting benchmarks on deficits, exchange rates and other policies within global or sectorial parameters that were strict but sensible enough to ensure stability of the economy.

Mudavadi’s leadership was exceptional. He provided leadership and direction on how to deal with the crippling inflation and high cost of living that emerged as a legacy of poor monetary decisions some of which manifested in the form of the Goldenburg scandal, an insidious scheme with which without a doubt he engineered the scheme’s termination.

In the most unnerving of times, Mudavadi showed uncharacteristic inner steel as we successfully weaved through reforms that brought about new standards and resulted in the lifting of the aid embargo.

He was also a sturdy captain leading us through various hurdles that were set by different interest groups that were opposed to economic reforms.

Aside from resolving the economic challenges, Mudavadi also left behind a strong legacy which included the opening of the economy in the energy, telecommunications and finance sectors.

Entities such as KenGen, the Kenya Revenue Authority, Telkom, Airtel and Safaricom — whose services we enjoy and are so proud of — would not have emerged if it was not for his leadership in liberalising the economy.

I write of these experiences to give the public hope about what kind of leadership is needed to get the nation out of the current troubling times. Mudavadi is a man who listens keenly and a problem-solver who is not afraid to act when confronted with difficult situations.

It is with that in mind that, I have no hesitation in endorsing Mudavadi as the fifth President of Kenya. Humble and composed, Mudavadi is a reflective man who arrives at decisions after wide and intense consultations. His leadership style embraces collegiality.

He is a man who respects people and honours his word, which is exactly what Kenya needs today. Kenya is desirous of a leadership that will live up to the values that we espouse as a nation.

—The writer is former governor of CBK