President Ruto Reshuffles Cabinet Incorporates Uhuru’s Allies

In a major cabinet reshuffle announced on Thursday, December 19, 2024, President William Ruto has promoted Kipchumba Murkomen to the powerful position of Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, one of the most influential ministries in the Kenyan government.

Murkomen, who previously served as Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, now takes on a role that oversees national security, law enforcement, and internal government coordination.

This reshuffle is part of President Ruto’s ongoing efforts to align the Cabinet with his administration’s revitalized plan under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at optimizing service delivery across the country.

The Ministry of Interior, which holds jurisdiction over key sectors like security, national cohesion, and internal government operations, is seen as a critical role for ensuring the safety and stability of the nation.

Key changes in Cabinet

Alongside Murkomen’s elevation, the President has also made key nominations for several Cabinet positions incorporating former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies following their recent meeting.

1. Mutahi Kagwe has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Kagwe brings a wealth of experience to this critical sector, which plays a central role in Kenya’s economy.

2. Lee Kinyanjui will now head the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, a strategic portfolio focused on boosting Kenya’s investment climate and trade relations.

3. William Kabogo has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy, taking charge of Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.

Re-assignments of current CS

In addition to the new appointments, the reshuffle also includes the following re-assignments within the Cabinet:

1. Salim Mvurya has been moved to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, a portfolio now vacant following Murkomen’s promotion.

Mvurya currently serves as the CS for Investments, Trade and Industry.

This realignment positions Mvurya to take forward Ruto’s vision for youth empowerment and sports development.

2. Kipchumba Murkomen’s shift from the Ministry of Sports to the Ministry of Interior is considered a major political move, strengthening the Interior docket under his leadership and offering him greater authority in the government.

Ambassadors and High Commissioners

As part of the reshuffle, several prominent individuals have been nominated to serve in Kenya’s foreign missions, enhancing the country’s diplomatic presence:

1. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u has been nominated as High Commissioner to Ghana, where she will strengthen Kenya’s bilateral relations with the West African nation.

2. Ababu Namwamba will represent Kenya as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) / United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). Namwamba’s experience in government is expected to bolster Kenya’s environmental diplomacy on the global stage.

3. Dorothy Angote has been nominated High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, continuing Kenya’s efforts to deepen ties with Southern Africa.

4. Dr. Andrew Karanja will serve as Ambassador to Brazil, playing a key role in enhancing Kenya’s relations with Latin America.

Chairpersons of State Corporations

The President has also appointed new leaders to head key state corporations, signalling further efforts to boost the efficiency of public enterprises:

1. Ndiritu Muriithi has been appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Kenya Revenue Authority. His leadership is expected to guide KRA through critical reforms aimed at enhancing tax collection and economic growth.

2. Anthony Mwaura will serve as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Kenya Rural Roads Authority, with a focus on expanding the country’s rural infrastructure.

3. Kembi Gitura has been appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital, a role that places him at the forefront of shaping healthcare delivery in Kenya.