Kenya, 28 May 2026 - Principal Secretary for East African Community (EAC) Affairs Dr Caroline Karugu has thanked President William Ruto for entrusting her with an additional senior government role, pledging to serve the country “diligently and faithfully.”
Dr Karugu spoke after President Ruto appointed her Acting Principal Secretary for the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development while retaining her substantive EAC Affairs docket in a mini reshuffle announced on Thursday.
“I sincerely thank H.E President William Ruto for entrusting me with the additional responsibility of steering the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development,” Dr Karugu said.
“I am honoured by the confidence bestowed upon me and pledge to do my very best in serving our nation diligently and faithfully,” she added.
The changes were announced through a presidential action notice signed by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.
The appointment places Dr Karugu at the centre of two key government departments as President Ruto reorganises senior ranks within his Kenya Kwanza administration following the resignation of the immediate former Petroleum Principal Secretary.
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In the same changes, Mr Kello Harsama was moved from the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development to the State Department for Petroleum.
“Attributable to Article 155(4) of the Constitution, the President has effected re-assignments within the rank of Principal Secretaries,” the notice stated.
State House said the reshuffle was aimed at ensuring continuity and coordination of government functions within the affected ministries.
The latest changes underline President Ruto’s continued restructuring of senior government offices as he seeks to tighten service delivery and coordination across key State departments.

