Kenya is on the brink of a major political shift as President William Ruto prepares to implement a significant reshuffle in the Public Service. According to insiders, the reshuffle is expected to impact all state departments, with key political ramifications as Ruto seeks to consolidate his political power ahead of the 2027 elections. The impending upheaval follows a series of political developments that have significantly altered the landscape of Kenya’s government.
When Ruto appointed the 51 Principal Secretaries (PSs) in November 2022, many of the selections were influenced by political alliances and the balance of power within his Kenya Kwanza coalition. However, with half of his first term completed, there is increasing pressure to reorganize the public service to improve efficiency, streamline governance, and reward political loyalty. This reshuffle could also be a strategic move to accommodate new political allies and appease critical factions, particularly those seeking a greater stake in the upcoming election.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) recently released a notice indicating that “a vacancy has arisen” within the ranks of Principal Secretaries. The notice, while seemingly mundane, has raised eyebrows in political circles. The deadline for applications is set for December 4, and though the PSC’s wording suggests only one vacancy, insiders reveal that the reshuffle could be far-reaching, with up to 15 PS positions possibly eliminated. This reduction in the number of positions stems, in part, from growing demands by the Generation Z demographic for better accountability, diversity, and regional representation in government. The government has been under pressure to ensure that leadership reflects the evolving socio-political landscape.
As the reshuffle looms, the stakes are high for the current crop of PSs, who must now contend with not only political alliances but also their performance records. The competition for the remaining positions is expected to be fierce, especially with the possibility that only 36 PS roles could remain. Given the intense political jockeying, the chances of survival for many current PSs are far from guaranteed. According to a government insider, “The PSC cannot advertise for just one PS post without the president’s approval. The impending purge is evident.”
The reshuffle comes at a time when political allegiances are shifting rapidly. Raila Odinga’s political camp, once a staunch opposition force, has seen its influence grow following strategic alignments with President Ruto. Sources suggest that Raila’s camp is pushing for 10 PS slots, with expectations that they may secure five or six. This push by Raila’s allies further complicates the already volatile political environment, as it raises the possibility of significant changes in the balance of power. Some of the PSs currently occupying key positions such as Raymond Omollo at the Ministry of Interior, Kori Sing’oei at Foreign Affairs, and Chris Kiptoo at Treasury are now seen as vulnerable due to their perceived proximity to the old guard and their association with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Meanwhile, former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political influence remains a wildcard. His allies, particularly those within the Jubilee party, are still key players in the political arena. There is growing speculation that Ruto may allocate some positions to these allies in an effort to solidify his broader coalition and placate various factions within the political establishment.
The Public Service reshuffle could also have significant implications for regional representation. In 2022, over 9,000 Kenyans applied for PS positions, with the PSC narrowing the pool to 477 before selecting the final 51. This time, the need for better representation particularly from marginalized communities could influence the distribution of the remaining positions.
In conclusion, the upcoming reshuffle is not merely a routine bureaucratic exercise. It is a high-stakes political maneuver that will shape the future of Kenya’s governance. The battle for the remaining PS slots is not only a contest of competence but a reflection of the shifting political allegiances in the country. As Ruto prepares to lay the groundwork for his re-election bid, the political fate of Kenya’s technocrats will depend on their ability to navigate a complex web of alliances, performance evaluations, and regional demands.
