Three newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries were sworn in on Friday at State House, Nairobi, and subsequently assumed office. The appointees are Mutahi Kagwe, William Kabogo, and Lee Kinyanjui, each bringing extensive experience in politics and governance to the government.
During the ceremony, President William Ruto expressed confidence in the trio’s abilities.
He stated, “Without exception, all the three Cabinet Secretaries have extensive experience in Executive and legislative work.” He further noted that their leadership skills and experience would mobilize government machinery to deliver services to Kenyans and accelerate the country’s transformation.
Mutahi Kagwe was sworn in as the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock. Kagwe, a seasoned leader, previously served as a Cabinet minister under President Mwai Kibaki and a Cabinet Secretary in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. He has also been the Senator for Nyeri County and the MP for Mukurwe-ini.
Kabogo took the oath of office as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication Technology, and Digital Economy. He has formerly served as the Governor of Kiambu and the MP for Juja.
Kinyanjui was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry. Before this role, he was the Governor of Nakuru and the MP for Nakuru Town.
President Ruto praised their capabilities, saying, “With their strong mix of leadership skills and extensive experience in political, legislative, and Executive capacities, the three Cabinet Secretaries are well-equipped to drive the delivery of services while steering inclusive development and economic growth that leaves no one behind.”
Addressing Kagwe specifically, the President tasked him with ensuring farmers receive affordable fertilizer on time. He also instructed Kagwe to address the issue of tea stuck in Mombasa.
“Your first assignment probably this afternoon is to sort out the issue of tea that is stuck in Mombasa,” Ruto said. He noted that farmers earned more from tea last year, with incomes rising from KSh180 billion in 2023 to KSh210 billion in 2024.
On ICT, President Ruto outlined Kabogo’s mandate, emphasizing the implementation of a 100,000-kilometer last-mile national fiber optic network. He stated, “Once implemented, it will create millions of jobs.” The President also highlighted the ongoing digital and creative economy strategy, which includes delivering last-mile fiber optic networks, 100 digital centers of excellence, and 1,450 digital hubs in each ward across Kenya.
“Thousands of Kenyans have already tapped into the opportunities this sector offers, and we are only getting started,” he said.
For investment, trade, and industry, Ruto tasked Kinyanjui with overseeing plans to build 47 County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, 200 fresh produce markets, and six special economic zones. He emphasized the importance of providing a conducive environment for traders, including small-scale business operators like Mama Mboga and boda boda riders. “We want our traders to have a decent and conducive environment to trade,” he said.
The President underscored the need for extraordinary ability and strength of character in the current economic climate, citing limited funding and ongoing austerity measures. He encouraged the CSs to prioritize investments that would multiply opportunities and avoid wasteful expenditures. “It is important that we consistently clarify the state of affairs and articulate our vision, embracing short-term austerity for long-term prosperity,” Ruto emphasized.
He also called for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing public resources. “We must be excellent stewards of public funds, taking a strong stand against corruption and wastage,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, President Ruto urged the new Cabinet Secretaries to honor their oaths of office by upholding the Constitution, serving Kenyans with integrity, and fostering teamwork within government. “Most importantly, I hope you will strive to be the strongest and most reliable link in the chain of the Executive, not the weakest,” he said.
The President assured the appointees of his full support, saying, “We pledge to provide you with all the support, encouragement, and resources you need to excel in your duties and deliver for the people of Kenya.”
Story by PCS
