President William Ruto has initiated the formation of a new, broad-based Cabinet by nominating 11 candidates for approval by the National Assembly. This move marks a strategic reshuffling aimed at addressing Kenya’s pressing economic and political challenges.
Retaining six of his original 22 Cabinet Secretaries, President Ruto has introduced five new figures. Among those retained are Prof Kithure Kindiki (Interior and National Administration), Mr Aden Duale (Defence), Mrs Alice Wahome (Lands, Public Works, Urban Development and Housing), Ms Soipan Tuya (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry), and Mr Davis Chirchir, who transitions from Energy to Roads and Transport. Ms Rebecca Miano has been nominated for the position of Attorney-General, previously serving as CS for Investment, Trade and Industrialisation.
The fresh faces nominated include Dr Debra Mulongo Barasa (Health), Mr Julius Migosi Ogamba (Education), Dr Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture and Livestock Development), Mr Eric Muriithi Muuga (Water, Sanitation and Irrigation), and Ms Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u (Information, Communication and Digital Economy).
At a State House press conference on Friday, President Ruto articulated the administration’s commitment to an expansive economic turnaround as outlined in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Emphasizing the need for a diversity of ideas and strategies, Ruto highlighted goals such as job creation, robust debt management, and enhanced transparency and accountability in public resource utilization.
“Our democratic credentials have been severely tested in the past month,” Ruto remarked, reflecting on recent national events. He underscored the importance of balancing fundamental rights and democratic freedoms with collective aspirations for prosperity and security.
Ruto emphasized the necessity of government measures that reflect the public’s aspirations, ensuring that the state serves its citizens effectively. He called for accelerated programmes to boost food production, reduce living costs, and expand job-creation initiatives to address unemployment among the youth.
The President also highlighted the need for innovative, transparent, and accountable use of public resources, domestic resource mobilization, and prudent public expenditure. Addressing public debt challenges, Ruto stressed the importance of establishing mechanisms to reduce borrowing and mitigate associated risks.
“It is critically important to constitute a more inclusive government that unlocks the potential of all citizens to drive national transformation,” Ruto stated, affirming his commitment to a broad-based government that harnesses Kenya’s potential for economic transformation and inclusive growth.
Reflecting on the past month’s turbulence, Ruto acknowledged the anxiety and uncertainty but viewed the crisis as an opportunity to forge a broad-based coalition for national progress. “The opportunity before us is greater than the crisis. Together, we have a chance to create the Kenya we all aspire to – a great nation,” he concluded.
