NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has been actively appointing individuals to his administration, including incorporating opposition members into his cabinet.
This strategy is perceived as an attempt to strengthen his hold on power while simultaneously attempting to improve government service performance.
President Ruto has decided to collaborate with his former rivals to foster national unity, “build bridges,” and promote “more synergy” within his administration.
As the year kicks off, the head of state has made new state appointments to improve service delivery in his ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) shortlisted 109 applications out of 2,517 to fill the coveted principal secretary (PS) jobs.
Prominent public individuals from various sectors are on the list, indicating intense competition for key positions.
Notable figures include former Chief Administrative Secretary David Osiany, former Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Dr. Ouma Oluga, and Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth.
Who are other notable figures likely to join government
Wilson Sossion, a former nominated Member of Parliament, and Gabriel Oguda, a prominent social media pundit, are among the others.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) chair, Anne Makori; Micah Powon, a former PS for the State Department for Development of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands; Dr Andrew Mutava Mulwa, the former head of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA); and Dr Macharia Irungu, the former managing director of Kenya Pipeline Company, are also included.
Interviews with the shortlisted candidates will soon take place on an unspecified date.
The names of the selected applicants will be sent to President Ruto for official appointment after the interviews.
So that you know, the public has been asked to submit any pertinent information about the shortlisted candidates.
Why President William Ruto has been on the receiving end
Such submissions must be presented through sworn affidavits to the Secretary/CEO of the Public Service Commission or via email at principalsecretary2024@publicservice.go.ke by January 24, 2025.
Meanwhile, the opposition’s participation in President Ruto’s government, however, is seen by political observers as a tactic to counteract his administration’s unpopularity, particularly in the vote-rich Mount Kenyan region, which has grown antagonistic since Rigathi Gachagua was recently ousted from office as his deputy.
When massive anti-tax demonstrations broke out in June 2024, anger with President Ruto’s administration reached a fever pitch. He was forced to rescind a contentious financial plan that included additional tax rises.
Two years after President Ruto took office, the fuel sales tax rose, salary taxes increased, and individuals paid a new housing levy and health insurance fee that has yet to benefit many Kenyans.
According to President Ruto, the levies were required to settle the debts that his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, left him.
