In a significant move aimed at bolstering his administration's performance and fulfilling election promises, President William Ruto has executed a major cabinet reshuffle, resulting in the reassignment of eight Principal Secretaries (PSs) to different ministries.
President Ruto's commitment to delivering on his pledges to the Kenyan people prompted these changes, which were announced through a press release issued to Kenyans.co.ke.
The reshuffle involved the following key appointments:
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Harsama Kello: Moved from the State Department for Crop Development to the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development.
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Julius Korir: Reassigned to the State Department for Water and Sanitation from Cabinet Affairs.
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Geoffrey Kaituko: Transferred from the State Department for Labour and Skills Development to the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs.
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Shardack Mwadime: Assumes the role of PS for the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, having previously served in the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs.
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Paul Ronoh: Reassigned from the Water PS role to the State Department for Crop Development.
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Idris Salim Dokota: Moved from the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development to the State Department for Cabinet Affairs.
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Anne Wang'ombe: Transferred from the PS position for Performance Management and Delivery Services to the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.
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Veronica Nduva: Gender PS Veronica Nduva has been appointed as the head of the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management.
These changes are part of a broader government shakeup initiated by President Ruto on Wednesday. Alongside the cabinet reshuffle, the President also nominated ambassadors to represent Kenya in various missions worldwide.
These adjustments mark a significant moment in President Ruto's administration, coming approximately a year after he assumed office in 2022. Despite his government's efforts, it has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding its ability to fulfill campaign promises in the face of rising living costs that have pushed many Kenyans into poverty.
President Ruto has been vocal about his expectations from his Cabinet, criticizing the performance of Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and Principal Secretaries (PSs) within his government. He has accused them of lacking a clear understanding of government operations and overall underperformance.
During a performance signing contracts event on August 1, 2023, President Ruto made his stance clear, stating, "People here do not want to read. If I know more than you about what is in your Ministry, then you should not be part of this government."