Ruto Reshuffles Top State Officials in Fresh Changes

By James Murimi - Reporter

President William Ruto has effected fresh changes in the senior ranks of government, re-assigning Principal Secretaries in a move State House says is aimed at ensuring continuity and coordination in key State departments.

In changes announced Thursday through a presidential action notice signed by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Mr Kello Harsama was moved from the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development to the State Department for Petroleum.

The changes follow the resignation of the immediate former Petroleum Principal Secretary, triggering a mini reorganisation within the senior ranks of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“Attributable to Article 155(4) of the Constitution, the President has effected re-assignments within the rank of Principal Secretaries,” the notice states.

In another key change, Dr Caroline W. Karugu was appointed Acting Principal Secretary for the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development while retaining her substantive role as Principal Secretary for East African Community Affairs.

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State House said the reshuffle was intended “to ensure continuity in the administration and coordination of government functions” within the affected ministries.

The latest changes come at a time when President Ruto has intensified restructuring within government amid mounting pressure to accelerate service delivery, stabilise key sectors and tighten oversight in strategic departments.

The petroleum docket remains one of the most politically and economically sensitive sectors in government, with concerns over fuel pricing, energy security and regional supply chains continuing to dominate public debate.

The changes take effect immediately.