Today, nineteen new Cabinet Secretaries were sworn in at State House, Nairobi, in a ceremony presided over by President William Ruto. This marks a significant step in the reformation and inclusivity of the Kenyan government, as the new team is tasked with driving the nation’s transformative agenda.

During the swearing-in ceremony, President Ruto emphasized the importance of a government that delivers security and meets the high expectations of Kenyan citizens. “We have lost many opportunities to transform Kenya due to numerous challenges. Many public officers have fallen short of constitutional standards, often managing pressure rather than delivering results,” he remarked.

The new Cabinet Secretaries and their respective ministries are as follows:

1. John Mbadi – National Treasury
2. Kipchumba Murkomen – Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports
3. Wycliffe Oparanya – Cooperatives and MSME Development.
4. Rebecca Miano – Tourism and Wildlife
5. Opiyo Wandayi – Energy and Petroleum
6. Justin Muturi – Public Service
7. Salim Mvurya – Investments, Trade, and Industry
8. Alfred Mutua – Labour and Social Protection
9. Hassan Joho – Mining and Blue Economy
10. Kithure Kindiki – Ministry of the Interior and National Administration
11. Debra Mulongo Barasa – Ministry of Health
12. Aden Duale – Ministry of Defence
13. Davis Chirchir – Ministry of Roads and Transport
14. Soipan Tuya – Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry
15. Eric Muga – Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation
16. Julius Migosi – Ministry of Education
17. Alice Wahome – Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development
18. Dr. Andrew Karanja – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development
19. Dr. Margaret Ndungu – Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy.

President Ruto, addressing the new Cabinet, called for a governance structure that maintains an enabling environment and emphasized servant leadership to meet the demands of Kenyans. “To accelerate the delivery of our transformative agenda, we need a broad-based government. I consulted both private and public sectors, and I am persuaded that I have built a good team to enhance inclusivity,” he stated.

He highlighted the significance of political unity and collaboration, saying, “This team brings together political rivals, showing that we can manage and triumph over political competition. There are moments when the interest of the nation is greater than that of an individual. That’s why I formed a broad-based government.”

The President drew parallels to historical moments of negotiation and dialogue, citing the spirit that brought freedom fighters to the Lancaster House talks. “We remember the lessons of history. We have built a firm foundation on agriculture, micro and small enterprises, technical education, technology, and universal health coverage,” he said.

The reconstituted Cabinet will focus on key areas such as accountability in public resources, the elimination of ghost workers on the payroll, and the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Bill. President Ruto stressed the importance of adopting a zero-based budgeting system next year and leveraging communication technology to eradicate corruption. “We must ensure that the VAT process is transparent and accountable, promote value addition, and create job opportunities,” he added.

He concluded by urging the new Cabinet Secretaries to be team players, servant leaders, and faithful stewards of the people’s resources. “We have no choice but to work. Go forth and focus on delivery. Let’s work together in doing the right thing and making the people of Kenya our priority,” President Ruto encouraged.

The swearing-in ceremony marks a new chapter for the Kenyan government, with high hopes for a collaborative and effective administration under President Ruto’s leadership.