Ruto Names Kabogo to Oversee Kenya’s ICT Portfolio

President William Ruto has unveiled a significant reshuffle in his Cabinet, nominating former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy. If endorsed by Parliament, Kabogo, aged 63, will succeed Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, who has been reassigned as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana. This reshuffle is a strategic step in President Ruto’s broader agenda to realign government ministries, state departments, and foreign service positions to enhance service delivery and optimize performance under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The announcement was made by State House Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, who underscored the importance of these changes in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations. “These changes aim to strengthen the government’s ability to serve Kenyans effectively,” Koskei stated, emphasizing the administration’s resolve to meet its developmental goals and address the needs of the population.

In addition to Kabogo’s nomination, the reshuffle involves other key changes across critical ministries. Kipchumba Murkomen, who previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport, and Public Works, has been nominated to lead the Interior docket. He will replace Kithure Kindiki, who has assumed the role of Deputy President. Former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has been tapped to head the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, where he is expected to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth. Meanwhile, Salim Mvurya has been reassigned to oversee the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, where he will focus on fostering youth empowerment and promoting innovation in the creative sector.

The reshuffle also marks notable changes in Kenya’s Foreign Service. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, now Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana, will be joined by Ababu Namwamba, who has been appointed as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON). Andrew Karani has also been appointed as Kenya’s Ambassador to Brazil, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on strengthening Kenya’s global presence and international partnerships.

Further adjustments have been made in the leadership of state corporations to enhance their efficiency and accountability. Ndiritu Muriithi has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Board, a critical role in driving tax compliance and revenue collection. Anthony Mwaura will now lead the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, where he is expected to focus on improving infrastructure in rural areas. Kembi Gitura has been named Chairperson of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital Board, an institution central to Kenya’s healthcare and research advancements.

This reshuffle comes shortly after President Ruto reportedly held a private meeting with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, at the Kenyatta family home in Gatundu. According to State House, the two leaders engaged in discussions on both national and regional issues, marking their first direct interaction since their political differences emerged. The meeting highlighted the potential for collaboration in addressing Kenya’s pressing challenges.

Koskei emphasized that these nominations, reassignments, and appointments reflect President Ruto’s unwavering commitment to aligning government operations with the priorities and aspirations of the Kenyan people. The reshuffle is designed to enhance the administration’s capacity to deliver on its promises, particularly under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes inclusivity and sustainable development.

The proposed changes have been forwarded to the National Assembly for approval, in line with constitutional requirements. If ratified, this reshuffle is expected to inject new energy into the administration, fostering greater efficiency and effectiveness in addressing national challenges and delivering transformative results for Kenyans.