NAIROBI, Kenya – Change is in the air as President William Ruto has nominated 14 new Principal Secretaries (PSs) in a move set to reshape key government departments.
The shake-up, announced by Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, follows recommendations from the Public Service Commission (PSC) and signals a fresh approach to leadership across ministries.
New Faces, Strategic Positions
Among the standout names in the nominations is Dr. Caroline Wanjiru Karugu, a longtime Raila Odinga ally and former Nyeri Deputy Governor.
She is set to head the State Department for East African Community (EAC) Affairs under the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, ASALS, and Regional Development.
Her nomination hints at Kenya Kwanza’s growing collaboration with ODM, following their political working agreement.
Health sector heavyweight Dr. Fredrick Ouma Oluga has also made the cut.
The former Chief Officer of Health in the now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services and ex-secretary-general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) will lead the State Department for Medical Services under the Ministry of Health.
Another key nominee is Regina Akoth Ombam, who will oversee the State Department for Trade under the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry.
Meanwhile, Cyrell Wagunda Odede takes the reins at the State Department for Public Investments and Asset Management under the National Treasury and Economic Planning.
Longtime Raila Odinga ally Dr Caroline Wanjiru Karugu nominated as the Principal Secretary for EAC Affairs in latest changes
Power Moves Amid Political Speculation
These nominations come at a time of intense political speculation. With the Public Service Commission wrapping up its interviews in January—having assessed 109 applicants—the final list was reportedly submitted to the President last month.
The reshuffle has raised eyebrows, particularly among PSs previously aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Some positions appear to have been strategically awarded to ODM allies, reflecting Kenya Kwanza’s broader coalition-building strategy.
Notable appointments include:
- Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim – State Department for National Government Coordination (Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary)
- Judith Naiyai Pareno – State Department for Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs (Executive Office of the President)
- Bonface Makokha – State Department for Economic Planning
- Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat – State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation
- Stephen Isaboke – State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications
- Michael Lenasalon – State Department for Devolution (Office of the Deputy President)
- Fikirini Katoi Kahindi Jacobs – State Department for Devolution
- CPA Carren Ageng’o Achieng – State Department for Youth Affairs (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports)
- Aden Abdi Millah – State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs (Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs)
The nominations, pending approval, mark the beginning of what could be a broader government restructuring.
With the country’s economic and social landscape shifting, the new appointees will need to hit the ground running to navigate Kenya’s evolving challenges.
