With President Uhuru Kenyatta almost finalizing the process of naming the men and women who will steer his 'Big Four' agenda over the next five years, it remains unclear what future holds for former Mombasa Deputy Governor Hazel Katana.
Katana who was introduced to politics by Governor Hassan Joho in the run to the 2013 election, uunceremoniously dumped her boss in January 2017 and swiftly joined Jubilee Party. However, since then, he has ensured unforgiving political times.
From nearly being locked out of the August 2017 election after disputed Jubilee nominations, Katana limped into last year's poll where she eventually lost to ODM's Mohammed Faki in the senatorial race.
So what next? For now, the former Deputy Governor's political fate is pegged on President Uhuru Kenyatta's next move where to many, she might make a comeback with top government appointment.
In December 2017,The Standard had reported that Katana was among the 4000 applicants who had been shortlisted for Principal Secretaries positions. So far, the President has made a handful of PS appointments. At least for now, she can be hopeful that she will make the cut.
Further, with Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala being the only top Jubilee figure in Coast that made it to the new Cabinet, the region may be rewarded with many PS slots. Whatever happens, Hazel Katana's political journey is hinged on President Kenyatta's next move.