Ruto and Cabinet Secretaries Make Fresh Appointments to Key Boards

Kenya , October 24, 2026 - President William Ruto and several Cabinet Secretaries have made a fresh round of appointments to state boards and agencies, with COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli among the notable names named to a new role.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua appointed Atwoli to the National Board for Social Protection. He will serve alongside Kenneth Odire and Richard Mativu Musau for a three-year term starting 23 October 2026. The board oversees social assistance programmes and coordinates support for vulnerable groups, including older persons, orphans, persons with disabilities and households facing extreme hardship.

The appointment continues a pattern of the government bringing labour leaders into formal state structures. Atwoli, who was recently re-elected unopposed as COTU Secretary-General, has been a consistent public supporter of Ruto’s development programmes, particularly affordable housing and infrastructure projects that he says benefit workers.

Beyond Atwoli’s appointment, Ruto and other Cabinet Secretaries have used recent Gazette notices to fill or renew positions across several agencies. These include reappointments to boards in education, water, forestry, energy and other sectors. The moves are part of the administration’s ongoing effort to place preferred individuals in oversight and advisory roles as the government heads toward the next election cycle.