President William Ruto has made several significant appointments this year as part of his administration’s strategy to bolster Kenya’s leadership both nationally and internationally.
In May 2024, Ruto appointed Lazarus Amayo, a former US Ambassador to Kenya, as the Special Envoy of the African Union Championship for Institutional Reforms.
This was followed by a major cabinet reshuffle in July 2024, where 11 new cabinet appointments were announced. These included critical roles in sectors such as Treasury, Energy, Cooperatives, and Mining.
In a noteworthy political move, Ruto nominated four prominent members of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to key cabinet positions, describing his administration as a Broad-Based Government.
Among these, John Mbadi was named Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, while Opiyo Wandayi was appointed to lead the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. Ali Hassan Joho was tasked with heading the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, and Wycliffe Oparanya was appointed to lead the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development.
Former Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, was reassigned as Deputy Chief of Staff, Performance & Delivery Management. Former Public Service CS Moses Kuria took on the role of Senior Advisor in the Council of Economic Advisors (CEA), while Dennis Itumbi, a digital strategist, was appointed Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President.
In a gazette notice dated November 15, 2024, Ruto made additional appointments, including Evans Kidero as Chairperson of the Kenya National Trading Corporation and Thuo Mathenge as Chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.
Other notable appointments included Bishop Margaret Wanjiru as Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission and Elisha Busienei as Chairperson of the School Equipment Production Unit.
Bishop Joseph Kagunda was named Chairperson of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya for a three-year term starting October 4, 2024. On November 22, Ruto appointed Nicholas Gumbo as Chairperson of the Kenya Sugar Board and Swarup Mishra as Chairperson of Kenya Biovax Institute Limited.
Additional appointees included Silas Otieno Jonyo as Chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication Council and Mohammed Abdi Mohammed as Chairperson of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In the security and military sectors, Ruto appointed Douglas Kanja as the new Inspector General of Police. Following the passing of General Francis Ogolla, Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri was named Chief of Defense Forces. Lazarus Sumbeiywo, a former army commander, was appointed Chief Mediator for the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process.
Further appointments included Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, the former M-PESA Africa CEO, as Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and former Chief of Defense Forces Robert Kibochi as Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital.
Earlier in the year, on March 15, 2024, Ruto appointed Benjamin Washiali, former Mumias East MP, as Chairperson of the Tourism Regulatory Authority. Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich was named Senior Advisor on Fiscal Affairs and Budget Policy.
Meanwhile, Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, environmentalist and CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, was appointed Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.
These appointments reflect President Ruto’s approach to inclusive governance, drawing from diverse political affiliations and professional expertise to enhance Kenya’s institutional capacities.
