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Newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (MICDE) William Kabogo has expressed his commitment to serving Kenyans following his swearing-in ceremony at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

In a message shared on his social media platforms after the ceremony, Kabogo pledged to serve all Kenyans with fairness and dedication while focusing on digital empowerment.

“Honoured to be sworn in as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy at State House, Nairobi. I promise to serve all Kenyans with fairness, dedication, and a commitment to delivering a digitally empowered nation,” Kabogo wrote on his X account.

The new CS emphasized his vision for Kenya’s digital future.

“Together, let’s build Kenya’s future,” he said.

Taming social media

During his vetting process on January 14, 2025, the former Kiambu Governor declared his intention to apply different approaches in dealing with harmful content on social media and the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) once he assumes office.

Kabogo acknowledged that Kenya was not the only country facing challenges involving the use of social media. He referred to some of the developed nations which he argued were dealing with the same issue currently bedevilling the country.

When asked how he would address the issue, he pledged to use the already established and constitutionally recognised mechanisms to address some of the issues including fake news, misinformation, cyberbullying and cyber attacks among others.

New Cabinet Secretaries

On Friday, January 17, 2025, President William Ruto oversaw the swearing-in of three appointees to the Cabinet at an event held at the State House.

The three; Mutahi Kagwe, William Kabogo and Lee Kinyanjui, had their appointments officially gazetted by President William Ruto on January 16, 2025.

Mutahi Kagwe will serve as the new Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, while Lee Kinyanjui will assume the role of Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industries.

In his address to the new Cabinet Secretaries on January 17, 2025, President Ruto urged them to reject corruption, communicate effectively, and adopt austerity measures in their roles.

He emphasized the importance of eliminating corruption within their departments and encouraged them to work diligently to uphold integrity in public service.

“I expect you to serve the people of Kenya with dedication, professionalism, and fairness,” he stated.

Additionally, Ruto expressed confidence in the experience that the new Cabinet Secretaries bring to their positions.

“Without exception, all three have extensive backgrounds in both the executive and legislative branches of our public service. For this reason, I am confident in the skills and capabilities they will contribute in their new roles,” Ruto added.