President William Ruto has appointed Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) Musalia Mudavadi, Aden Duale, and Salim Mvurya to additional ministries in an acting capacity. The announcement was made on Saturday by Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service, following a series of changes that reflect President Ruto’s evolving governance priorities.
Musalia Mudavadi, who is currently serving as the Prime CS and the CS for Foreign Affairs, will now also oversee the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy. This new role expands Mudavadi’s influence within the government, positioning him as a key figure in shaping the country’s digital and communications strategy during a time of rapid technological growth. His extensive political experience is expected to be instrumental in driving forward initiatives aimed at enhancing Kenya’s digital infrastructure and economic modernization.
Aden Duale, who is currently the CS for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, has been tasked with adding the Agriculture and Livestock Development docket to his portfolio. This appointment places Duale at the heart of Kenya’s agricultural sector, a critical pillar of the country’s economy. As Kenya faces challenges in food security and agricultural innovation, Duale’s leadership in both the environment and agriculture will likely play a pivotal role in addressing these issues.
Salim Mvurya, who heads the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, has been appointed as the acting CS for the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry. This assignment follows a reorganization within the Cabinet after Mvurya’s predecessor, Kipchumba Murkomen, was moved to the Ministry of Interior. As the acting CS for Trade and Industry, Mvurya is expected to drive efforts to boost Kenya’s investments, foster industrial growth, and enhance trade partnerships at both regional and global levels.
These new assignments are part of a broader reshuffle that took place on December 19, 2024, as part of President Ruto’s efforts to strengthen his Cabinet and adjust the government structure. The reshuffle also saw former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui nominated for the Trade Ministry, while Mutahi Kagwe, a former CS under President Uhuru Kenyatta, was put forward for Agriculture.
The changes come ahead of the Parliamentary vetting scheduled for January 14, 2025, where members of Parliament will assess and approve the new ministerial appointees. As the country navigates through these leadership transitions, all eyes will be on the outcomes of these reshuffles and their potential impact on Kenya’s governance and economic landscape.
