President William Ruto recently announced a new lineup of 11 Cabinet Secretary nominees, introducing fresh talent to replace the 22 ministers who were recently dismissed. This shakeup includes six seasoned veterans from the previous administration and five new faces who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles. Let’s delve into the backgrounds of these newcomers who are poised to make a significant impact on the government’s performance.
Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa – Health
Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa, the nominee for Health, is a distinguished senior medical doctor with over 15 years of experience. Specializing in internal medicine and infectious diseases, Dr. Barasa has an extensive background working in various health institutions, including national and referral hospitals, private facilities, and community-based organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and CHANF. Her notable achievements include co-leading programs to combat outbreak-prone infections such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Cholera. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree and a Master of Internal Medicine from the University of Nairobi. Dr. Barasa is currently pursuing a Master’s in Infectious Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Julius Migos Ogamba – Education
Julius Migos Ogamba, the Education CS nominee, is a Senior Advocate at Migos Ogamba & Waudo Advocates with over 25 years of legal practice. He previously served as the Chairperson of the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen). Ogamba is an alumnus of the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1988, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law in 1993. His extensive legal background and leadership experience make him a valuable addition to the education sector.
Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja – Agriculture and Livestock Development
Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja, nominated for Agriculture and Livestock Development, is an Agricultural Economist at the World Bank with over 36 years of experience. His expertise spans development economics, rural development, finance, and agricultural and livestock development. Dr. Karanja’s career began as an extension officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, eventually rising to Senior Agricultural Economist and Head of the Economics Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, a Master’s in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nairobi, and a PhD in Development Economics and Policy from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.
Eric Muriithi Muuga – Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation
Eric Muriithi Muuga, the nominee for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, is a civil engineer and water resource enthusiast with over 8 years of experience. At 32, he is the youngest nominee on the list. Muriithi has worked as an Assistant Project Engineer at the Water and Sanitation Development Project (WSDP) and as a Design Engineer at the Kenya Towns Sustainable Water and Supply Sanitation Program. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Construction Engineering and a Master’s in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) from the University of Nairobi. His expertise includes the operations and management of engineering projects, water hydraulic modeling, and the design of water and wastewater networks.
Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u – Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy
Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, the ICT CS nominee, is a renowned expert in Internet Governance with substantial experience in internet infrastructure, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data governance. She has played a significant role in developing the African Union’s digital transformation strategy for education, health, and agriculture sectors. Dr. Ndung’u has also been instrumental in creating the African Union Data Policy Framework and developing online Internet Governance curriculums for various national and regional schools across Africa. Before her nomination, she worked as a consultant at the ICT Authority in the Education Ministry and as a Senior Research Manager in Gender Justice in STEM Research in Africa.
Conclusion
President Ruto’s new Cabinet Secretary nominees bring a blend of seasoned experience and fresh perspectives to key government sectors. The inclusion of these highly qualified professionals signals a commitment to addressing the nation’s pressing issues and driving forward the government’s agenda with renewed vigor.
