President Uhuru Kenyatta has reassigned four ministries vacated by Cabinet Secretaries who left for political pursuits, according to official statements. The moves come as the nation approaches the August 9 general election.
Key Reassignments ¶
Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa was appointed to oversee devolution matters following Charles Keter's departure to run for Kericho governor under the United Democratic Alliance. Wamalwa stated, "Hit the ground running after returning to the Ministry of Devolution, where I have been appointed by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta to act as I run the Ministry of Defence." The announcement coincided with a visit to the Africities Convention Center under construction in Kisumu, a trip noted in a 2017 memorial service photograph.
James Macharia, who previously served as Transport CS, took over the Ministry of Water and Sanitation after Sicily Kariuki left to campaign for Nyandarua governor. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs CS Monica Juma expanded her portfolio to include petroleum, mining, and energy duties following John Munyes' exit for political ambitions. Juma's first assignment involved a U.S. Chamber of Commerce event with Ghana's energy minister to discuss sustainable energy financing.
Regional Development Shifts ¶
The Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development was transferred to Industrialisation CS Betty Maina, who also serves as Trade CS. Adan Mohammed, who held the role, left in February to campaign for Mandera governor. Maina recently addressed delegates at a miraa conference in Nairobi in October 2021.
Context and Implications ¶
The reshuffle aligns with Kenyatta's efforts to finalize key projects and solidify his legacy ahead of the election. The reassignments reflect a strategic move to consolidate power within the existing cabinet rather than appointing new officials.
