President Ruto Appoints Moses Kuria, Eliud Owalo, Itumbi in Strategic Government Roles

President William Ruto has made a series of significant appointments, bringing back key allies who were sidelined following the recent Cabinet reshuffle. The move is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen his administration’s commitment to the Kenya Kwanza’s Bottom-Up Economic Agenda (BETA).

In an announcement made by the Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei on Friday evening, former ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management. This high-level role will see Owalo oversee the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of priority projects and initiatives under the BETA Plan, ensuring that government ministries, departments, and agencies deliver on their mandates effectively.

In another notable appointment, former Public Service CS Moses Kuria has been named a Senior Advisor in President Ruto's Council of Economic Advisors. Kuria’s return to the government signals his continued influence in shaping economic policy, particularly in areas aligned with the President’s economic vision.

President Ruto has also appointed Dennis Itumbi, a well-known digital strategist and loyal supporter, as the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President. This role underscores the administration’s focus on innovation and the growth of the creative sector, which is increasingly seen as a vital part of Kenya’s economic future.

These appointments come in the wake of a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle in July, where Ruto dismissed all his ministers amid escalating anti-government protests. While some were later reappointed, Owalo and Kuria had been conspicuously absent until now.

Koskei emphasized that these strategic appointments are crucial for driving the President’s agenda forward, particularly as the administration seeks to address economic challenges and fulfill its campaign promises.

The return of these prominent figures highlights President Ruto’s reliance on experienced and trusted allies to navigate the complexities of governance and implement his ambitious economic plans. As the new appointees settle into their roles, their impact on Kenya’s policy direction and development initiatives will be closely watched.