Kenya’s digital economy is under the new leadership of the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, replacing Eliud Owalo.
This significant change is part of President William Ruto’s recent cabinet nominations aimed at fostering national unity and addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
On Wednesday, July 24, President Ruto announced the second half of his proposed Cabinet, which is now awaiting vetting and approval from the National Assembly.
This follows an initial list released on July 19, 2024, where he named 11 new Cabinet Secretaries, with several familiar faces returning in different roles.
The newly nominated Cabinet includes key figures from the opposition party, ODM, demonstrating Ruto’s commitment to forming a government of national unity.
Notable ODM politicians nominated include Chairman John Mbadi, Deputy Party Leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, and Leader of the Minority in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi.
Full List of Newly Nominated Cabinet Secretaries:
- Ministry of Interior and National Administration: Prof. Kithure Kindiki
- Ministry of Health: Dr. Deborah Baraza
- Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development: Alice Wahome
- Ministry of Education: Julius Ogamba
- Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry: Aden Duale
- Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development: Dr. Andrew Muhia Karanja
- Ministry of Defence: Soipan Tuya
- Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation: Eric Muga
- Ministry of Roads and Transport: Davis Chirchir
- Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy: Dr. Margaret Ndung’u
- Ministry of Mining: Hassan Ali Joho
- Ministry of National Treasury: John Mbadi
- Ministry of Energy and Petroleum: James Opiyo Wandayi
- Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development: Wycliffe Oparanya
- Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports: Kipchumba Murkomen
- Ministry of Investment Trade & Industry: Salim Mvurya
- Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife: Rebecca Miano
- Ministry of Labour and Social Protection: Alfred Mutua
- Ministry of Public Service: Justin Muturi
- Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts & Heritage: Stella Soi Lang’at
On Thursday, July 11, President William Ruto dismissed 20 Cabinet Secretaries and dissolved his Cabinet.
He cited recent public protests and the subsequent withdrawal of the 2024 Finance Bill as the primary reasons for this drastic measure.
Eliud Owalo, who served as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, had a notable tenure that began on October 28, 2022.
Appointed by PresidentRuto, Owalo immediately committed to an ambitious agenda focused on empowering Kenya through digital advancements.
Under his leadership, the ministry launched several initiatives, including the rollout of free WiFi hotspots across various counties, aiming to install 25,000 hotspots by 2027.
This effort was part of a broader strategy to enhance e-commerce and support small-scale traders by leveraging digital technology to create between 1.5 and 2 million new jobs annually.
Owalo’s tenure was characterized by a proactive approach and significant engagement with local leaders and communities, especially in Nyanza, where he worked to strengthen economic development and foster political support .
However, his term concluded when President Ruto dissolved the Cabinet on July 11, 2024, following public protests and the subsequent withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.