President William Ruto has carried out a sweeping government reshuffle, promoting key officials, appointing new principal secretaries, and reassigning others in a move aimed at enhancing service delivery and boosting efficiency in governance.
The changes include the elevation of Amos Gathecha to Deputy Head of Public Services, the appointment of Professor Edward Kisiang’ani as a Senior Advisor and Member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, and the recruitment of 14 new Principal Secretaries (PSs), some with political ties to the opposition.
The restructuring, which cuts across multiple ministries, also sees the creation of a new State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation, along with notable diplomatic appointments.
Among the biggest changes, Professor Edward Kisiang’ani, who previously served as PS for ICT, has been moved to a strategic advisory role as Senior Advisor and Member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. Taking over his position is Stephen Isaboke, who previously served as Group Executive and Head of Regulatory Affairs at MultiChoice Group.
Meanwhile, Amos Gathecha has been promoted from his role in the Public Service docket to become Deputy Head of Public Services, a crucial position in the administration.
The Head of State has nominated 14 new Principal Secretaries, injecting fresh leadership into the government. Some of the notable names include:Jane Kare Imbunya , State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development Regina, Akoth Ombam- State Department for TradeCyrell Wagunda Odede State Department for Investment, Caroline Wanjiru Karugu State Department for East African Community. These four are closely allied to opposition leader Raila Odinga, signaling a possible effort by the President to foster political inclusivity in governance
Other key appointees include: Oluga Fredrick Ouma – State Department for Medical Services, Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim State Department for National Government Coordination, Judith Naiyai Pareno Justice, Human Rights and Constitution.
The shake-up has also led to significant reassignments of senior officials within various government ministries: Professor Julius Bitok moves from the State Department for Immigration to the State Department for Basic Education.Teresiah Mbaika takes over the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development. Ishmael Madey has been moved to the State Department for Special Programs. Harry Kimtai, previously PS for Medical Services, will now oversee the State Department for Mining. Dr. Belio Kipsang, formerly PS for Basic Education, now heads the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services. Elijah Mwangi has been appointed to lead the State Department for Sports, replacing Peter Tum.
In a move to strengthen Kenya’s research and innovation sector, President Ruto has created a new State Department within the Ministry of Education. This new State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation will be led by Professor Abdulrazak Shaukat. The department has been separated from Higher Education, which will continue to be overseen by Beatrice Inyangala.
Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has been appointed Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations Habitat in Nairobi, a critical position in international urban development and environmental policy.
Additionally, Peter Tum has been named Kenya’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while Alfred K’Ombundo has been nominated as Deputy Head of Mission in Belgium.
The sweeping changes is set to boost service delivery, enhance economic development, and ensure that government departments operate more effectively.
The appointments and reassignments reflect a blend of experience and fresh leadership, positioning the administration to better tackle emerging economic and social challenges. With a focus on efficiency and inclusivity, this reshuffle is set to redefine how the government operates in the coming years.
