S1:EP2: Pioneering Reforms In The Public Sector - The Executive Table with Mary Wamae скачать в хорошем качестве

S1:EP2: Pioneering Reforms In The Public Sector - The Executive Table with Mary Wamae

Twitter (X) - https://x.com/wangari_wamae LinkedIn -   / wangari-wamae   Facebook -   / wangariwamae   TikTok -   / wangari_wamae   Instagram -   / wangari_wamae   Email - [email protected] Telephone - (+254)740-853-565 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Executive Table with Mary Wamae - Pioneering Reforms In the Public Sector Sitting down with Dr. Edward Odundo, I was struck by the humility and clarity with which he shared his journey. His story spans some of Kenya’s most critical institutions, including the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), where his leadership left an indelible mark. Dr. Odundo’s career began at KRA, where he served as the first financial controller during its early, formative years. It was a time of immense challenge, with limited resources and a need for quick, effective decision-making. He took on not only the role of financial controller but also that of HR and administration manager—a reflection of the necessity to wear many hats when building an institution from the ground up. “In those days, you didn’t have the luxury of saying, ‘This is not my role.’ You did what needed to be done to move things forward,” he shared, a quiet but profound lesson on leadership and resilience. One of his standout contributions was introducing an automated tax system for airline tickets. Before this, taxes were collected in cash, with significant losses along the way. His solution ensured transparency and accountability, doubling revenue almost overnight. “It was a simple change, but it had such a profound impact,” he recalled. Later, as the CEO of the Retirement Benefits Authority, Dr. Odundo turned his focus to safeguarding pensions. His efforts to separate pension funds from employers’ control created what he describes as a “Chinese wall,” protecting retirees’ savings from being used for unintended purposes. "Retirement savings must be sacred. They belong to the employees, and no employer has the right to touch them," he explained firmly. What struck me most was his honesty about the decisions he revisited later in his career. As Commissioner of VAT, he had advocated for taxing pensions, a decision he later sought to reverse after understanding its long-term impact on retirees. "Leadership isn’t always about being right. Sometimes, it’s about being willing to correct the course when you see a better way," he reflected. In our conversation, Dr. Odundo reminded me of the power of adaptability and vision in leadership. He spoke with passion about the systems he built, not for his own legacy, but to ensure these institutions could thrive long after his tenure. “It’s not about titles,” he said, “It’s about making decisions that outlive you, for the benefit of others.” As I listened to Dr. Odundo, I couldn’t help but reflect on how leadership is often found in those quiet, unassuming moments—when you choose to take on the extra task, fix what’s broken, and protect what matters most. His story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is rooted in service and the courage to embrace challenges.