Cabinet Changes Spark Kenyan Conversations: Are they Effective?

The recent wave of cabinet reshuffles and government reappointments in Kenya has sparked vibrant discussions among citizens. While some view these changes as a progressive step for the nation, others express skepticism regarding their actual value to the Kenyan populace. On December 19, 2024, President William Ruto announced a cabinet reshuffle, marking the third such event since he took office.

Among the notable nominations, former Cabinet Secretary for Health, Mutahi Kagwe, who served under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has returned to government, now overseeing the Agriculture and Livestock Development docket. Andrew Karanja, previously in charge of livestock, has been nominated as Kenya’s ambassador to Brazil.

The Interior Ministry, once held by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has shifted to Kipchumba Murkomen, who previously managed the Sports and Youth Development portfolio. His former position will be filled by Salim Mvurya, while Mvurya’s previous role in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry will be taken over by former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, if Parliament approves.

In another significant move, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo has been nominated to lead the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy. The previous CS for ICT, Dr. Margaret Nyambura, is slated to become Kenya’s ambassador to Ghana, pending parliamentary approval.

As Kenyans process these changes, reactions have poured in on social media platform X:

@stan125365: "This government will never stabilize. Changes every minute, and the bad thing is that most changes are all about politics."

@nowrojee: "More like Cabinet Recycles."

@mwangijohnkimi1: "Waste of time. This does not change anything."

@chumbe039: "Congratulations "

@Patrick51756533: "I wonder... Is it a coincidence that Mutahi Kagwe was in charge during COVID vaccines and now that there's a push for livestock vaccines, he's back in charge?"