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President William Ruto Thursday, December 19, 2024, announced a major reshuffle of his Cabinet, foreign service, and key state corporations. The changes, which touched some of the government’s most critical portfolios, are seen as part of Ruto’s broader strategy to align leadership with his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
State House Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, who made the announcement, described the reshuffle as a response to the need for efficiency and improved service delivery. “The President’s goal is to ensure that government operations are optimized to serve Kenyans better,” Koskei said.
Among the most prominent changes was the appointment of Kipchumba Murkomen to the Interior docket, a portfolio central to maintaining security and governance. Murkomen, who previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport, and Public Works, and later Sports and Youth Affairs, replaces Kithure Kindiki, who is now the Deputy President.
The Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, a vital department in driving economic growth, was handed to former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui. His appointment is expected to bring fresh ideas to bolster Kenya’s trade and industrial competitiveness. Meanwhile, Salim Mvurya was reassigned to lead the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.
In the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo was nominated as Cabinet Secretary. If approved, Kabogo will take over from Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, who has been redeployed as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana. Kabogo’s appointment is expected to strengthen the government’s efforts in digital transformation and communication strategies.
Former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe also made a return to government. He was nominated to head the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
The reshuffle also extended to Kenya’s foreign service, introducing notable appointments that reflect a strategic focus on enhancing Kenya’s diplomatic footprint. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u’s new role in Ghana is complemented by Ababu Namwamba’s appointment as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). Additionally, Andrew Karani was named Ambassador to Brazil.
Key state corporations also experienced leadership changes aimed at boosting their operational efficiency. Former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi was named Chairperson of the Kenya Revenue Authority Board, an appointment viewed as critical in enhancing revenue collection. Anthony Mwaura now heads the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, while Kembi Gitura was tapped to lead the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital Board.
The reshuffle comes just days after President Ruto met with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, at Kenyatta’s Gatundu home. The meeting, their first since a public fallout, reportedly centered on national and regional issues. While State House has downplayed any direct connection, analysts speculate that the timing of the reshuffle and the meeting might be linked.
Observers view the reshuffle as a calculated move to address public concerns about the administration’s performance and to consolidate Ruto’s political base.
The nominations and appointments have been submitted to Parliament for vetting, with approvals expected in the coming weeks.
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