Cabinet secretaries are nominated by the president and require parliamentary approval. Once confirmed, they may be reshuffled at the president’s discretion.
Article 152 of the Constitution of Kenya outlines the process for the appointment, confirmation, and dismissal of cabinet secretaries. It stipulates that there must be at least 14 and no more than 22 cabinet secretaries.
Importantly, cabinet secretaries are not members of the Kenyan Parliament and must undergo vetting by a parliamentary committee prior to their appointment.
The Cabinet of Kenya is headed by the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces. The current President is William Ruto, who appoints Cabinet Secretaries.
Below is a list of all Cabinet Secretaries in Kenya.
1. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi
Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, 63, is a politician from Sabatia, Vihiga County, with a rich history in Kenyan governance. He has served as Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, and he currently leads foreign relations and diaspora affairs.
2. Prof. Kithure Kindiki
CS for Interior and National Administration
Professor Kithure Kindiki is a prominent lawyer and former senator, born on July 16, 1972, in Tharaka-Nithi County. Currently, he manages the docket of national security and internal coordination.
3. Davis Chirchir
CS for Roads and Transport
Davis Chirchir, 64, born in Cheptigit, Kericho, has transitioned from the energy docket to the infrastructure and transport docket, aiming to enhance Kenya’s infrastructure and transport systems.
4. Hassan Ali Joho
CS for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs
Hassan Ali Joho, 48, born on February 26, 1976, in Kisaunii, Mombasa, is the former Governor of Mombasa. He now oversees mining and maritime matters, blending his business experience with public service.
5. Aden Duale
CS for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry
Aden Duale, 54, born on June 15, 1969, in Garissa, has transitioned from his role as Defence Cabinet Secretary to oversee the docket responsible for the country’s environmental and forestry policies.
6. Alice Wahome
CS for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development
Alice Wahome, 65, born on April 28, 1959, in Kandara, Muranga County, is an accomplished lawyer and legislator known for her passionate advocacy for land reforms and urban development.
7. Dr. Alfred Mutua
CS for Labour and Social Protection
Dr. Alfred Mutua, 53, born on August 22, 1970, in Machakos County, is the former Governor of Machakos. He now focuses on labour policies and social protection.
8. Julius Migos Ogamba
CS for Education
Julius Migos Ogamba, 56, born in 1967 in Kitutu Chache North, Kisii County, has transitioned from local politics to lead Kenya’s education sector.
9. Rebecca Miano
CS for Tourism and Wildlife
Born in 1966 in Ndaragwa, Nyandarua, she brings extensive experience from KenGen to the tourism sector, aiming to enhance Kenya’s global tourism profile.
10. Kipchumba Murkomen
CS for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports
Kipchumba Murkomen, 45, born in 1979 in Elgeyo-Marakwet, has transitioned from senator to focus on youth affairs, the creative economy, and sports.
11. Roselinda Soipan Tuya
CS for Defence
Roselinda Soipan Tuya, 45, born in 1979 in Narok, is the first Maasai female cabinet secretary in Kenya. Her appointment to the defence position sets a significant precedent in Kenyan politics.
12. Wycliffe Oparanya
CS for Co-operatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development
Wycliffe Oparanya, 68, born on March 25, 1956, in Butere, is the former governor of Kakamega. He brings immense experience in governance to enhance cooperatives and the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya.
13. John Mbadi
CS for National Treasury and Economic Planning
John Mbadi has a distinguished background in finance and politics. As Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, he is responsible for overseeing economic planning and fiscal management.
14. Eric Muriithi Muuga
CS for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation
Eric Muriithi Muuga, 32, born on June 10, 1992, in Machakos County, is the youngest member of the Kenyan cabinet. He is an experienced engineer specialising in water management and sanitation.
15. Dr. Deborah Mulongo Barasa
CS for Health
Dr. Deborah Mulongo Barasa, 41, born on August 2, 1983, is an experienced medical doctor specialising in internal medicine. She now leads the health sector in Kenya, committed to improving healthcare services.
16. Salim Mvurya
CS for Investments, Trade, and Industry
Salim Mvurya, 54, born in 1970 in Mwatate, is the first governor of Kwale County. He is now guiding Kenya’s investment and trade strategies to spur growth.
17. Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja
CS for Agriculture and Livestock Development
Dr. Andrew Karanja, born in Gatundu North in 1962, specialises in agricultural development and is dedicated to improving agriculture and livestock in Kenya.
18. James Opiyo Wandayi
CS for Energy and Petroleum
James Opiyo Wandayi, born on June 22, 1972, in Ugunja, Siaya, transitioned from development economics to managing Kenya’s energy and petroleum resources.
19. Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u
CS for Information Communication and the Digital Economy
Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, a scholar in information sciences, now manages Kenya’s digital economy. She brings her extensive communications experience to this crucial role.
20. Justin Muturi
CS for Public Service and Human Capital Development
Justin Muturi, 68, hails from Kerie Market and is a former Speaker of the National Assembly and attorney general. He currently serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development.
21. Beatrice Asukul Moe
CS for East Africa Community and Regional Affairs
Beatrice Asukul Moe, with a background in regional diplomacy, manages East Africa Community affairs, focusing on strengthening regional integration and cooperation.
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