Kenya's Ruto Eyes Young Technocrats for Government Posts.
President William Ruto has an opportunity to bring fresh talent into his government through upcoming Principal Secretary appointments. The Public Service Commission will interview the final candidates this Friday.
Among them stands Gabriel Oguda, a social media influencer and newspaper satirist. In June 2024, Oguda made headlines when security officers raided his home during the Gen Z protests. He posted about the police presence at his gate before being taken into custody. Officers released him the next morning without charges.
The protests marked a turning point. Young Kenyans, dubbed the "Cerelac generation," emerged as a powerful force. Their demonstrations led Ruto to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024 and dissolve his Cabinet.
In rebuilding his team, Ruto chose established opposition figures from ODM instead of young leaders who sparked change. He appointed ODM's deputy leaders, chairman, minority leader, and an elections board member.
The President's focus on political veterans left young reformers waiting. Critics say this choice maintains a system where Cabinet members prioritize future campaigns over public service.
The upcoming Principal Secretary positions offer a new path. Oguda represents what many see as the ideal for modern governance—a strategic thinker with strong communication skills and technical knowledge.
Current Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo (Interior), Korir Sing'oei (Foreign Affairs), and Mary Muthoni (Public Health) have shown strong leadership. Analysts suggest Ruto might combine their expertise with new, younger appointees.
This decision arrives at a critical time. With two and a half years left in office, Ruto faces pressure to include professionals from outside political parties. These appointments could help rebuild trust with Kenya's youth and bring new energy to government operations.
President William Ruto has an opportunity to bring fresh talent into his government through upcoming Principal Secretary appointments. The Public Service Commission will interview the final candidates this Friday.
Among them stands Gabriel Oguda, a social media influencer and newspaper satirist. In June 2024, Oguda made headlines when security officers raided his home during the Gen Z protests. He posted about the police presence at his gate before being taken into custody. Officers released him the next morning without charges.
The protests marked a turning point. Young Kenyans, dubbed the "Cerelac generation," emerged as a powerful force. Their demonstrations led Ruto to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024 and dissolve his Cabinet.
In rebuilding his team, Ruto chose established opposition figures from ODM instead of young leaders who sparked change. He appointed ODM's deputy leaders, chairman, minority leader, and an elections board member.
The President's focus on political veterans left young reformers waiting. Critics say this choice maintains a system where Cabinet members prioritize future campaigns over public service.
The upcoming Principal Secretary positions offer a new path. Oguda represents what many see as the ideal for modern governance—a strategic thinker with strong communication skills and technical knowledge.
Current Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo (Interior), Korir Sing'oei (Foreign Affairs), and Mary Muthoni (Public Health) have shown strong leadership. Analysts suggest Ruto might combine their expertise with new, younger appointees.
This decision arrives at a critical time. With two and a half years left in office, Ruto faces pressure to include professionals from outside political parties. These appointments could help rebuild trust with Kenya's youth and bring new energy to government operations.
