Former Nyeri DG Karugu, ex-NMS health boss Oluga among 14 Ruto nominees to PSs

Former Nyeri deputy governor Caroline Wanjiru Karugu who has been selected to be the PS in the State Department for EAC Affairs. (Photo: X/Kalu Lepariyo)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Thursday, March 20, 2025

The nominees will undergo vetting by the respective National Assembly committees before their formal appointment.

President William Ruto has nominated 14 new principal secretaries (PSs) to serve in various state departments, following recommendations from the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The nominations, announced by Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, were made under Article 155(3) of the Constitution and are set to bring new leadership to key ministries.

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The nominees include former Nyeri deputy governor Caroline Wanjiru Karugu, who has been selected to lead the State Department for East African Community (EAC) Affairs under the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, ASALS and Regional Development.

Dr Fredrick Ouma Oluga, a former chief officer of health in the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services and a former secretary-general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), has been appointed to head the State Department for Medical Services in the Ministry of Health.

Regina Akoth Ombam will take charge of the State Department for Trade under the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, while Cyrell Wagunda Odede has been nominated to oversee the State Department for Public Investments and Asset Management under the National Treasury and Economic Planning.

Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim has been appointed to the State Department for National Government Coordination under the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, while Judith Naiyai Pareno will lead the State Department for Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs in the Executive Office of the President.

Other appointees include Bonface Makokha (State Department for Economic Planning), Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat (State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation), and Stephen Isaboke (State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications).

Michael Lenasalon has been nominated to serve in the Office of the Deputy President under the State Department for Devolution. Additionally, Fikirini Katoi Kahindi Jacobs will oversee the State Department for Devolution under the same office, while CPA Carren Ageng’o Achieng has been nominated to head the State Department for Youth Affairs in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Aden Abdi Millah has been appointed to lead the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.

The nominations come amid growing anxiety over a looming reorganisation of the government following the conclusion of PSC interviews in January.

The commission, chaired by Anthony Muchiri, interviewed 109 applicants in an exercise that ended on January 31, 2024. The final list of nominees was reportedly submitted to the President last month.

The anticipated reshuffle had fuelled speculation, particularly among PSs perceived to be allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

There were also expectations that some positions would be allocated to allies of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following Kenya Kwanza’s working agreement with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The principal secretaries will serve as accounting and authorising officers of their respective state departments.

Their responsibilities will include implementing government policies, strategic plans, and intergovernmental projects, ensuring efficient resource management, and promoting constitutional values outlined in Articles 10 and 232.