President William Ruto has announced significant changes to his Cabinet. In a statement released by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the President nominated Hanna Wendot Cheptumo and reassigned Aden Duale to new roles within the government.
Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, the widow of the late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, has been nominated for a newly created docket in the Ministry of Gender. This move comes a month after the passing of her husband, who was receiving treatment at Nairobi Hospital. Her appointment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening gender equality initiatives and social development.
In a more prominent shift, Aden Duale, who previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Health. If approved by Parliament, Duale will take over at a critical time when the country is grappling with significant challenges in the healthcare sector. Chief among his responsibilities will be addressing the ongoing crisis surrounding the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has caused widespread disruptions in the health system.
Duale’s tenure in the Environment Ministry saw various initiatives aimed at combating climate change and environmental degradation. However, his new role presents a different set of challenges, including streamlining healthcare funding, ensuring better service delivery, and addressing concerns raised by health professionals and the public regarding the SHA.
Filling Duale’s former position at the Ministry of Environment is Dr. Deborah Barasa. Her expertise and leadership will be crucial in continuing environmental conservation efforts and implementing policies that align with Kenya’s climate goals.
“The President has congratulated the nominees on their appointments and wished them well as they undergo the parliamentary approval process, in line with constitutional requirements,” Koskei’s statement read.
These changes reflect President Ruto’s strategic approach to governance, ensuring that key ministries are led by individuals capable of driving his administration’s agenda. As Duale prepares to take on the health sector’s mounting challenges, Kenyans will be keenly watching how his leadership impacts healthcare delivery across the nation.
