By Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com
Three appointees assume office following National Assembly approval; reshuffle also impacts key Permanent Secretary positions.
President William Ruto presided over the swearing-in of three new Cabinet Secretaries at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, January 17, 2025. The newly sworn-in CSs include William Kabogo, who takes over as the CS for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy; Mutahi Kagwe, appointed to Agriculture and Livestock Development; and Lee Kinyanjui, now heading Investments, Trade, and Industry.
The ceremony follows thorough vetting by the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments on January 14, 2025, and subsequent approval by MPs. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, in announcing the Assembly’s decision, affirmed that the appointees met constitutional and statutory requirements, citing their strong academic credentials, professional experience, and knowledge of their respective portfolios.
The Cabinet reshuffle sees William Kabogo succeeding Margaret Nyambura Ngung’u, Mutahi Kagwe replacing Andrew Karanja, and Lee Kinyanjui taking over from Salim Mvurya. Notably, Mvurya has been reassigned to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, while Karanja was confirmed as Kenya’s Ambassador to Brazil. Margaret Nyambura declined her appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador to Ghana.
Updated Permanent Secretary Lineup
The reshuffle also prompted changes in key Permanent Secretary positions, with the updated roster now including:
• Dr. Musalia Mudavadi: Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
• Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen: Interior and National Administration
• Salim Mvurya: Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports
• Davis Chirchir: Roads and Transport
• Hassan Ali Joho: Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs
• Aden Duale: Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry
• Alice Wahome: Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development
• Dr. Alfred Mutua: Labour and Social Protection
• Julius Migos Ogamba: Education
• Rebecca Miano: Tourism and Wildlife
• Roselinda Soipan Tuya: Defence
• Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya: Co-operatives and MSME Development
• John Mbadi Ng’ongo: National Treasury and Economic Planning
• Eric Muriithi Muuga: Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation
• Dr. Deborah Mulongo Barasa: Health
• Lee Kinyanjui: Investments, Trade, and Industry
• Mutahi Kagwe: Agriculture and Livestock Development
• James Opiyo Wandayi: Energy and Petroleum
• William Kabogo: Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy
• Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi: Public Service and Human Capital Development
• Mercy Kiiru Wanjau: Secretary to the Cabinet
• Beatrice Asukul Moe: East Africa Community and Regional Affairs
• Dorcas Agik Oduor: Attorney General
The Cabinet reshuffle reflects President Ruto’s efforts to align his administration with the country’s priorities. Kenyans eagerly anticipate impactful leadership, particularly with former Governor William Kabogo taking the reins of ICT, Lee Kinyanjui championing trade and investment opportunities and Ex-health CS Mutahi Kagwe who left behind a blueprint for transformative health leadership in the country in a pandemic era where health challenges increasingly demand global solutions