PHOTOS: Ruto Presides Over Swearing-In of New Cabinet Secretaries

In an event held at State House on Friday, President William Ruto officially swore in three new Cabinet Secretaries (CSs): Mutahi Kagwe for Agriculture, William Kabogo for ICT, and Lee Kinyanjui for Trade. This ceremony marked a fresh chapter in the governance of Kenya, focusing on integrity, efficiency, and public service.

Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe taking the oath of office at the State House, Nairobi on January 17, 2025/PCS

During the ceremony, President Ruto laid out clear expectations for his appointees. He emphasized the eradication of corruption, stating, “I expect you to serve the people of Kenya with dedication, professionalism, and fairness.” He stressed the importance of not just fighting corruption but ensuring it does not take root within their new roles.

Ruto also highlighted the necessity for effective communication, urging the new CSs to engage with the public compassionately and patiently. “While we must be firm and effective in our actions, we should also approach our engagements with compassion and patience, particularly when communicating with the public,” he advised.

ICT CS William Kabogo signing an appointment letter during his swearing-in at the State House, Nairobi on January 17, 2025/PCS

The President expressed his confidence in the capabilities of the new CSs, citing their extensive backgrounds in both executive and legislative roles. “Without exception, all three cabinet secretaries have extensive experience in both executive and legislative work of our public service,” Ruto noted. He praised their past contributions, with Kabogo having served as the Governor of Kiambu, Kinyanjui as the former Governor of Nakuru, and Kagwe not only as a former Senator for Nyeri but also previously as the Health Cabinet Secretary.

Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui taking oath of office at the State House, Nairobi on January 17, 2025/PCS

The swearing-in is seen as a strategic move to leverage the experience of these individuals for the betterment of their respective sectors. Agriculture, under Kagwe, is expected to benefit from his previous policy-making experience. Kabogo’s background in local governance could bring innovation to the ICT sector, crucial for Kenya’s digital transformation agenda. Meanwhile, Kinyanjui’s appointment to Trade aims to bolster Kenya’s economic strategies with his administrative and legislative insights.

President William Ruto signs an appointment letter during the swearing-in of CSs on January 17, 2025/PCS

This ceremony not only underscores President Ruto’s commitment to governance reform but also signals a new era of leadership with seasoned professionals at the helm of key ministries. As these new CSs take office, all eyes will be on how they implement their mandates, particularly in the fight against corruption, enhancing public communication, and driving sector-specific growth.