This reshuffle has stirred a mix of reactions, especially among Kenya's younger generation who had hoped for more fresh faces in leadership.
Cabinet Shake-Up
The announcement came after weeks of intense political activity and public protests against the government. The President’s move to replace 11 out of 22 Cabinet positions shows a significant shift in his administration.
Among the old faces, only 11 retained their positions while 10 new nominees were introduced. This reshuffle aims to address the public's call for changes in leadership.
Vacant Positions
Despite the extensive changes, two key positions remain unfilled: Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development. These roles are crucial and their vacancies have left many speculating about who might be appointed next.
The role of Attorney-General is particularly notable because it is a key position in legal and constitutional matters.
The Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development is also critical due to its involvement in regional cooperation and development.
New Appointments
The new list of Cabinet nominees includes a mix of former Cabinet secretaries, leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and a few new faces. Here’s a breakdown of the new appointments:
1. Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u – Appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning. This position was previously held by John Mbadi.
2. Ababu Namwamba – Takes over Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports from Kipchumba Murkomen.
3. Florence Bore – Will lead the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, replacing Dr. Alfred Mutua.
4. Simon Chelugui – New Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, previously held by Wycliffe Oparanya.
5. Moses Kuria – Appointed to the Ministry of Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management, succeeding Justin Muturi.
6. Aisha Jumwa – Will oversee the Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage, taking over from Stella Soi Lang’at.
7. Susan Nakhumicha – Now heads the Ministry of Health, previously led by Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa.
8. Ezekiel Machogu – Appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education, replacing Julius Migosi Ogamba.
9. Mithika Linturi – Will lead the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, previously held by Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja.
10. Eliud Owalo – Now heads the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, taking over from Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u.
Public ReactionThe new appointments have led to mixed reactions across the country. Many Kenyans, especially younger people, are disappointed by the lack of new, youthful representation in the Cabinet.
Geoffrey Odhiambo, a prominent young activist from Kangemi, voiced frustration at the President’s decision.
He argued that the Cabinet missed an opportunity to include younger leaders who could bring fresh ideas and energy to the government.
"We’re frustrated by seeing the same old faces in leadership roles," Odhiambo told TUKO.co.ke. "Young people have fresh ideas and energy that could benefit the country."
This sentiment is echoed on social media, where many users have expressed their disappointment with the decision to reappoint several former leaders.
Critics argue that the President's choices reflect a recycling of old faces rather than introducing new, innovative figures.
Despite the criticism, there is some support for the inclusion of opposition figures in the new Cabinet.
For example, John Mbadi, the new Treasury Cabinet Secretary, is recognized for his role in fostering dialogue between the government and opposition. His appointment is seen by some as a positive step toward bridging political divides.
The ongoing vacancies in the positions of Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development are significant.
These roles are important for legal matters and regional development. The delay in filling these positions has led to speculation about who will be appointed next and how these appointments might affect the government's functioning.
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