John Ololtuaa: Profile of PS replacing Julius Bitok in education docket
By Emmanuel Rono, June 10, 2026John Lekakeny Ololtuaa served as Principal Secretary for Tourism until Tuesday, June 26, 2026, when he was moved to the State Department for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education.
For many Kenyans, the new PS may be best known as the outgoing leader of the tourism sector. However, his roots are firmly anchored in the education sector, where he rose through the ranks from a classroom teacher to one of the country’s top education managers before joining national government leadership.
Born in Trans Mara West in Narok County, Ololtuaa attended primary and secondary school in the region before joining Kenyatta University for higher education.
He holds a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree and a Master’s degree in Education Administration, both from Kenyatta University.
His career began in 1993 when he joined the teaching profession as an assistant teacher. He later served as principal of Ennosaen Secondary School, marking the beginning of a steady rise through Kenya’s education management system.
Joining politics
Unlike many senior government officials who enter the education docket from unrelated fields, Ololtuaa’s experience spans nearly every level of education administration. He served as a District Education Officer in several regions, including Suba, Mbita and Bomet, before being promoted to County Director of Education for Bomet and, later, Kajiado counties.
He was appointed to serve in the Transition Authority, overseeing the transition to the devolved system of governance. He specifically served as the county transition coordinator in charge of Narok County.
In September 2022, Ololtuaa was appointed as the principal secretary in the State Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, Culture and Heritage, where he is in charge of tourism promotion, policy formulation, and development of the tourism industry in Kenya.
Ololtuaa is also known for his involvement in community development initiatives.
He has actively supported youth mentorship programmes, scholarship initiatives, anti-drug abuse campaigns and projects aimed at empowering vulnerable communities.
He also participated in the British Council’s Global Schools Partnership Programme, reflecting his longstanding interest in education and youth development.
Ololtuaa is now taking over the ministry after PS Julius Bitok took over from Belio Kipsang, who had served in the same position in the Jubilee administration.