President William Ruto has once again reshuffled the government structure, leading to key changes in the Ministry of Sports. In the latest changes announced by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, Principal Secretary Peter Tum has been reassigned to a new role.
Peter Tum has been appointed as Kenya’s ambassador to Kinshasa, DRC, with Elijah Mwangi stepping in as the new Principal Secretary for the State Department for Sports under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Peter Tum had taken over as Principal Secretary for Sports in 2023, succeeding Jonathan Mueke, who was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. During his tenure, Tum worked alongside then Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, who was later removed from the position in mid-2024. Kipchumba Murkomen was appointed to replace Namwamba but had a short stint before being succeeded by Salim Mvurya. Before his reassignment, Mvurya had served as the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.
Murkomen was later transferred to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, continuing the trend of frequent changes within the government.
Elijah Mwangi, the new PS for Sports, previously held the position of PS for Mining, a role he was appointed to in December 2023. Before entering public service, Mwangi worked as the managing director of Strategic Synergy Consultants, an international finance, research, and strategy firm. His experience there included business development in financial and strategic management, risk assessment, and leadership effectiveness.
With his appointment, Mwangi is expected to bring a fresh approach to the Ministry of Sports. His strategic management expertise and leadership skills are anticipated to play a crucial role in advancing Kenya’s sports agenda. His immediate responsibilities include collaborating with Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to oversee the renovation of stadia and ensure Kenya’s preparedness for the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Additionally, Kenya, along with Uganda and Tanzania, is gearing up to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, making Mwangi’s role even more significant.
This latest reshuffle aligns with President Ruto’s broader strategy to accelerate the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The restructuring aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within government institutions, ensuring that key national projects and initiatives are executed successfully.
With sports playing a vital role in national development and youth empowerment, the leadership at the Ministry of Sports will be under close scrutiny. The upcoming international tournaments and infrastructural projects will serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of the new leadership. The government’s commitment to improving sports facilities and supporting athletes remains a priority, and the new appointments are expected to drive progress in these areas.
