PS Bitok hands over Basic Education docket to Ololtuaa after reassignment
By Emmanuel Rono, June 11, 2026Former Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has handed over the leadership of the State Department for Basic Education to newly appointed Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa following a recent presidential reassignment.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Bitok said he is honoured to have served in the education sector and expressed gratitude to stakeholders who worked with him during his tenure.
“Today, I officially handed over the leadership of the State Department for Basic Education to my colleague, PS John Ololtuaa, following the Presidential re-assignment,” Bitok said.
He described his time at the ministry as a privilege, noting that he had the opportunity to work with various stakeholders committed to improving the country’s education system.
“It has been an honour and privilege to serve in this role and work alongside dedicated stakeholders committed to transforming education in our country,” he said.
PS reassignment
In a press release issued on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, by Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei, the president reassigned Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Julius Bitok, to the State Department for Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
John Lekakeny Ololtuaa, who has been serving as Principal Secretary for Tourism, was moved to the State Department for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education.
“His Excellency the President has this afternoon sanctioned re-assignments in the senior ranks of the Executive in the cadre of Principal Secretaries,” the statement read.
“Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok, PhD, CBS, reassigned from the State Department for Basic Education, Ministry of Education, to the State Department for Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. Mr. John Lekakeny Ololtuaa, CBS, Re-assigned from the State Department for Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to the State Department for Basic Education, Ministry of Education.”
Ready for the new assignment
PS Bitok has stated that he looks forward to serving Kenyans in his new capacity.
“As I embark on my new assignment at the State Department for Tourism, I remain grateful for the support accorded to me and look forward to serving Kenyans in this new capacity,” he added.
The outgoing PS also wished his successor success as he assumes leadership of the department.
“I wish PS Ololtuaa every success as he takes over the mantle,” Bitok said.