President William Ruto has nominated former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha to a key diplomatic post, naming her as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the UN-Habitat in Nairobi.

This appointment marks her return to government service in a significant capacity, positioning her at the forefront of Kenya’s engagement in global urban development and sustainability initiatives.

The executive reshuffle, formalised through Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, has also seen Peter Tum appointed as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with his posting in Kinshasa.

Tum, who previously served as a principal secretary, now assumes a critical diplomatic role in a country that remains one of Kenya’s most important partners in trade, regional security, and economic cooperation.

The latest appointments are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at streamlining government operations and ensuring that key ministries and state departments align with Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

According to a press release issued by the Executive Office of the President on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the changes are designed to harness opportunities within emerging economic sectors while simultaneously addressing pressing socio-economic challenges facing the nation.

As part of the restructuring, several other high-profile appointments have been made across key government departments.

Regina Akoth Ombam has been named the new Principal Secretary for the State Department for Trade under the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, a move expected to boost Kenya’s international trade partnerships and local industrial development.

Cyrell Wagunda Odede has been appointed to the State Department for Public Investments and Asset Management, a crucial role in overseeing government investments and ensuring the efficient management of public assets.

Dr Caroline Wanjiru Karugu will now serve in the State Department for East African Community Affairs under the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, a position that places her at the helm of Kenya’s regional integration agenda. Her role will be instrumental in fostering closer economic, political, and social ties among East African nations.

Meanwhile, Dr Oluga Fredrick Ouma has been transferred to the State Department for Medical Services under the Ministry of Health, where he is expected to spearhead healthcare policy reforms and drive improvements in the country’s public health sector.

Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim has been appointed to the State Department for National Government Coordination under the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, a role that will involve overseeing intergovernmental relations and ensuring seamless coordination between national and county governments.

Judith Naiyai Pareno, a seasoned legal expert, will now head the State Department for Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs, where she will be tasked with advancing legal reforms and upholding human rights protections within the country’s judicial framework.