‪Reshuffle: Ruto Announces New Changes To Principal Secretaries and Foreign Missions ‬

President William Ruto has unveiled a sweeping reorganization of Kenya’s government, announcing new appointments and reassignments of Principal Secretaries (PSs) alongside key diplomatic postings to foreign missions.

The changes, detailed in Executive Order No. 1 of 2025 and signed by Chief of Staff Felix K. Koskei on March 19, aim to align government operations with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), a flagship policy targeting economic growth and social equity.

In a press release from the Executive Office of the President, the restructuring is described as a response to emerging economic opportunities and persistent social challenges.

The changes, enacted under the President’s constitutional authority per Articles 132 and 155, include the nomination of 14 new Principal Secretaries, the reassignment of six existing ones, and the appointment of several diplomats to strengthen Kenya’s global presence.

All nominations await National Assembly approval.

New Faces and Reassignments

Among the notable appointments, Dr. Jane Kare Imbunya has been tapped as Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service & Human Capital Development, while Ms. Regina Akoth Ombam will take the helm at the State Department for Trade.

Dr. Caroline Wanjiru Karugu, a known ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has been nominated for the State Department for East African Community Affairs, hinting at a move toward political inclusivity. Other nominees include Dr. Oluga Fredrick Ouma (Medical Services), Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat (Higher Education & Innovation), and Mr. Aden Abdi Millah (Shipping & Maritime Affairs).

Six current Principal Secretaries face reassignments to new portfolios. Prof. Julius Bitok moves to Basic Education, Ms. Teresiah Mbaika to Aviation & Aerospace Development, and Mr. Harry Kimtai to Mining, among others.

Nakhumicha’s appointment

On the international front, President Ruto has nominated several individuals to key diplomatic roles. Susan Nakhumicha Wafula will serve as Permanent Representative to the UN Habitat in Nairobi, while Mr. James Buyekane Muhati takes up the Consul-General post in Guangzhou, China.

Eng. Peter Tum is slated as Ambassador to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mr. Alfred K’Ombundo will be Deputy Head of Mission in Brussels, Belgium.

The nominations have been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting, a process that will determine the final lineup of Ruto’s restructured government.