Ruto Reshuffle Education Principal Secretary

Scripted by Joy Christine

President William Ruto has reorganized his administration in a bid to accelerate his implementation of his broad- based government and streamline government operations.

The changes announced on Thursday 20, 2025 by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, affect Principal Secretaries and foreign service appointments. Dr Belio Kipsang, who was previously the Principal Secretary for Basic Education has been reassigned to the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services under the Ministry of Interior. Julius Bitok, who previously oversaw immigration and Citizen services, has been moved to the State Department for Basic Education.

Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat has been appointed as the Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, a newly created docket that has been carved from the Higher Education department currently led by Dr. Beatrice Inyangala.

The move increases the number of principal secretaries to four, which is under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba. The 4 Principal Secretaries now overseeing key state departments are: Principal Secretary in the State Department for Basic Education Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary in the state Department for Higher Education and Research Dr.  Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary for the state department for Technical, vocational Education and training (TVET) Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria and Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation Professor Abdulrazak Shaukat.

The transfer of the Principal Secretary for Education to an immigration role has sparked debates about what implications it will have on the education sector. While changes in leadership have not been uncommon during President William Ruto’s reign, the transfer of the education PS is particularly noteworthy considering the challenges the education docket is currently facing.

The Competency Based Curriculum is at a critical stage and with the rollout of Grade 10 under the new 2-6-3-3-3 system, there are concerns as to whether the ongoing reforms will be maintained or if the shift will lead to disruptions.

Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) had raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure, delayed capitations and lack of trained teachers for the students who will be transitioning to grade 10 and a new leadership at this critical moment could slow down interventions meant to address these issues as the new PS takes time to familiarize themselves with the ongoing programs.

New leadership often means changes in priorities and it is currently uncertain as to whether the incoming PS will maintain the previous PS’s commitment or introduce new policies.

Furthermore, the outgoing Ps had served in the education docket for a long time and had built lasting relationships with Teacher’s unions, school heads and all stakeholders. With a new PS, renegotiating these dynamics may take time hence affecting the smooth implementation of policies.

As the new PS takes office all eyes will be on how they handle the matters at hand and the coming months will determine whether this reshuffle strengthens or weakens the education sector.

By Joy Christine.