This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
January 6, 2022, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the chief of staff position in Kenya. The role, once exclusive to the military and government, has become increasingly popular in corporate organizations and public offices.
At the heart of this shift is the recognition of the importance of a chief of staff in facilitating the work of a CEO or head of state. As Laban Cliff, Standard Group's chief of staff, explains, 'My job is to assist our CEO run his office. Ideally, my job involves, from a very strategic overview, initiatives, communications and advisory work particularly in media and engaging various stakeholders in the private sector and government.'
One of the key benefits of having a chief of staff is that they provide a buffer between the CEO and the direct-reporting team. They work behind the scenes to solve problems, mediate disputes, and deal with issues before they are brought to the CEO.
In Kenya, the Judiciary has been at the forefront of embracing the chief of staff position. In 2011, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga created the position and appointed Duncan Okello to the office. Okello's role was to coordinate relations with government departments, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations.
Today, Rose Wachuka serves as the chief of staff in the Judiciary. She describes her role as that of a facilitator, likening herself to a DJ who mixes tracks into flowing music for entertainment. Her role is to help realize the vision of the Chief Justice and make the Judiciary more accessible to the public and accountable in its operations.
Wachuka's responsibilities include managing the support staff and their welfare, as well as tracking the progress of various initiatives and projects. She also sits in the Judiciary management team headed by the Chief Registrar.
The chief of staff position has been a constant presence in the US since 1979, with the role overseeing the White House staff, managing the president's itinerary, and serving as the president's gatekeeper. In Kenya, President Kenyatta appointed Joseph Kinyua as his first chief of staff in 2013, with Kinyua being in charge of coordinating Cabinet affairs and programmes.
As the role of the chief of staff continues to evolve, it is clear that it has become an essential part of both public and private offices in Kenya. With key figures like Nzioka Waita and Rose Wachuka playing crucial roles, it will be interesting to see how the position continues to shape the country's governance and corporate landscape.
