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In a fresh round of cabinet appointments on December 19, 2024, President William Ruto has nominated Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui, and William Kabogo for key Cabinet Secretary positions as part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership in vital sectors of government.

The nominations come as part of a wider reshuffle aimed at optimizing service delivery and driving the administration’s ambitious Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Key changes in Cabinet

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 CSs

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.

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 has been transferred from the Ministry of Sports to the Ministry of Interior, a move seen as a significant political shift that strengthens the Interior docket under his leadership and grants him greater authority within 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.