President William Ruto has made several significant appointments throughout 2024 as part of his efforts to strengthen Kenya’s leadership on both national and international fronts.
These appointments reflect his administration’s commitment to enhancing governance and building strong institutions across various sectors.
In May 2024, President Ruto appointed Lazarus Amayo, the former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, as the Special Envoy for the African Union Championship for Institutional Reforms.
This strategic move underscores Kenya’s growing influence in African affairs.
In July 2024, Ruto reshuffled his Cabinet, introducing 11 new appointments across key sectors including Treasury, Energy, Cooperatives, and Mining.
Notably, the reshuffle saw the inclusion of four prominent members from the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
This was part of Ruto’s vision for a “Broad-Based Government.”
Among the key appointments were John Mbadi as Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, and Opiyo Wandayi as Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.
Ali Hassan Joho was appointed to head the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, while Wycliffe Oparanya was designated to lead the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development.
Former Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, was reassigned to the role of Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance & Delivery Management.
Meanwhile, former Public Service CS Moses Kuria was appointed as a Senior Advisor in the Council of Economic Advisors (CEA), and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi was named Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President.
On November 15, 2024, Ruto appointed several individuals to key positions in various state agencies.
Among these were Kidero as Chairperson of the Kenya National Trading Corporation and Thuo Mathenge as Chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission, while Elisha Busienei was named Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the School Equipment Production Unit.
Additionally, Bishop Joseph Kagunda was appointed as the Chairperson of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, with a tenure set to run for three years starting from October 4, 2024.
Further notable appointments in November included Nicholas Gumbo as Chairperson of the Kenya Sugar Board and Swarup Mishra as Chairperson of the Kenya Biovax Institute Limited.
Silas Otieno Jonyo and Mohammed Abdi Mohammed were appointed as Chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication Council and the Social Health Authority (SHA), respectively.
In addition to reshuffling Cabinet positions, Ruto made significant changes in the security and military sectors.
He appointed Douglas Kanja as the new Inspector General of Police, and Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri as the new Chief of Defense Forces following the death of General Francis Ogolla.
Former army commander Lazarus Sumbeiywo was named Chief Mediator for the South Sudan Mediation Peace Process.
Ruto also appointed Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, the former CEO of M-PESA Africa, as Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
Former Chief of Defense Forces Robert Kibochi was appointed to head the Board of Directors of Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital.
Additionally, on March 15, 2024, President Ruto appointed Benjamin Washiali, the former Member of Parliament for Mumias East, as Chairperson of the Board of the Tourism Regulatory Authority.
Former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich was appointed Senior Advisor on Fiscal Affairs and Budget Policy, while environmentalist and CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, Prof. Patrick Verkooijen, was named Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.
These appointments reflect President Ruto’s broader strategy to strengthen governance structures, promote inclusive leadership, and ensure Kenya’s continued growth and influence on both the regional and global stages.
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