By James Murimi - Reporter
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Kenya, June 09, 2026 - President William Ruto has effected a surprise reshuffle in the senior ranks of government, swapping two Principal Secretaries in a move that signals a fresh reorganisation within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In a presidential action announced on Tuesday by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Tourism Principal Secretary John Lekakeny Ololtuaa and his Basic Education counterpart Julius Bitok exchanged positions with immediate effect.
Under the changes, Prof Bitok moves from the State Department for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education to the State Department for Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. Mr Ololtuaa, meanwhile, leaves Tourism to take charge of the State Department for Basic Education.
“The re-assignments take effect immediately,” the notice signed by Mr Koskei stated.
The reshuffle comes at a time when the education sector is grappling with implementation of key reforms, teacher shortages, funding pressures and preparations for national examinations, while the tourism sector is pushing to sustain record international arrivals and earnings.
Although no reasons were provided for the changes, the switch places two seasoned public administrators in sectors considered critical to the government’s economic and social agenda.
Prof Bitok has previously served in senior government positions and has been at the centre of policy implementation in the education sector. Mr Ololtuaa, a former tourism and conservation executive, has overseen efforts to market Kenya as a premier global destination and boost visitor numbers.
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The reshuffle also comes amid mounting unrest in secondary schools across different parts of the country. Cases of student strikes, destruction of property and disruptions to learning have raised concerns over discipline, school management and the implementation of ongoing education reforms.
The Ministry of Education is additionally facing pressure over funding constraints, teacher shortages and preparations for national examinations.
Mr Ololtuaa now takes over Basic Education at a critical moment when the government is under pressure to restore calm in schools and address concerns raised by parents, teachers and education stakeholders.
Prof Bitok, on the other hand, moves to Tourism as the government intensifies efforts to boost visitor numbers and tourism revenues amid increasing regional competition.
Although the State House did not explain the reasons behind the changes, the timing of the reshuffle is likely to fuel speculation over President William Ruto’s broader plans for the public service as his administration seeks to strengthen performance and accelerate service delivery in key sectors.