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Post Reply: President Ruto Announces Major Government Reorganization with Seven New State Departments

<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on June 13, 2025, 7:15 am</div><div id="pl-6372"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-6372-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-6372-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-6372-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<h1 dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="0 0 []">President Ruto Announces Major Government Reorganization with Seven New State Departments</h1>
<p dir="ltr">In a significant move to enhance efficiency and service delivery within the Kenyan government, President William Ruto has unveiled a sweeping reorganization of the Executive, establishing seven new State Departments and reassigning key functions to streamline operations. The announcement, made on June 12, 2025, has sparked widespread discussion across the nation, with reactions ranging from cautious optimism to concerns about the rising cost of governance.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The newly created State Departments are designed to tackle critical areas of governance, aligning with President Ruto’s vision of a more coordinated and innovative administration. The seven departments are:</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>State Department for National Government Coordination</strong> – Aimed at improving inter-ministerial collaboration and ensuring seamless implementation of national policies.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation</strong> – Focused on advancing Kenya’s technological and scientific capabilities to drive economic growth.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management</strong> – Tasked with overseeing the efficient management of public assets and investments to maximize returns.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>State Department for Special Programmes</strong> – Dedicated to addressing unique national challenges, including disaster response and social welfare initiatives.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>State Department for Aviation and Aerospace</strong> – Established to bolster Kenya’s aviation sector and explore opportunities in aerospace development.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><strong>Two Additional Departments</strong> – While specific details on the remaining two departments were not fully outlined in initial reports, they are expected to focus on critical areas such as economic planning and regional development.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">This reorganization also includes the abolition of the Delivery Department, signaling a shift in how the government prioritizes and executes its mandates. The creation of these departments will increase the number of Principal Secretaries, with each position costing taxpayers over KSh 15 million annually, pushing the total wage bill for these roles to exceed KSh 765 million per year.</p>
<p dir="ltr">President Ruto’s administration has faced mounting pressure to deliver on its 2022 election manifesto, which promised to improve service delivery, reduce the cost of living, and combat corruption. The establishment of these new departments is seen as a strategic effort to address these challenges by creating specialized units to handle complex governance issues. According to sources, the move is intended to enhance accountability and ensure that key sectors receive focused attention.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The reorganization comes at a time when Ruto’s government is navigating significant public scrutiny. Over the past year, the administration has faced criticism over rising taxes, the high cost of living, and controversial policies, including the now-scrapped 2023 Finance Bill and the cancellation of major deals with the Adani Group. The creation of these new departments is part of Ruto’s broader strategy to strengthen his administration’s capacity to deliver on its promises while addressing public concerns.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The announcement has elicited varied responses. Supporters of the move argue that the new departments will foster innovation and efficiency, particularly in areas like science, technology, and aviation, which are critical for Kenya’s economic competitiveness. The State Department for Aviation and Aerospace, for instance, is seen as a forward-thinking step to position Kenya as a regional leader in these industries.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, critics have raised concerns about the financial implications of the reorganization. Posts on X highlight growing unease about the expanding wage bill, with some questioning whether the new departments align with Ruto’s earlier pledge to reduce the number of government advisors by 50%. One user noted that the Council of Economic Advisors has grown to 12 members, contradicting the promise of a leaner government. The additional costs associated with the new Principal Secretaries have also sparked debates about fiscal responsibility, especially given Kenya’s heavy public debt load, which exceeds thresholds recommended by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Analysts suggest that the success of this reorganization will depend on the government’s ability to translate these structural changes into tangible outcomes. “The creation of these departments could streamline operations, but only if they are staffed with competent leaders and backed by clear policies,” said Javas Bigambo, a Kenyan political analyst. “Otherwise, it risks being seen as another layer of bureaucracy.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">The reorganization is the latest in a series of bold moves by President Ruto to consolidate power and address public discontent. Since his election in 2022, Ruto has navigated a turbulent political landscape, marked by protests over tax policies, the impeachment of his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, and a strategic alliance with opposition leader Raila Odinga. His recent outreach to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the inclusion of opposition figures in his cabinet reflect efforts to broaden his political base amid growing criticism.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The establishment of these new departments also coincides with Ruto’s international engagements, such as his April 2025 meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Kenya and China upgraded their bilateral ties. The new State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management could play a key role in managing future international deals, ensuring transparency and efficiency in light of past controversies, such as the Adani Group cancellations.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As the new State Departments take shape, all eyes will be on how President Ruto’s administration implements these changes. The government has yet to release detailed mandates for each department or announce the appointment of Principal Secretaries, but these developments are expected in the coming weeks. The reorganization will also impact the FY2025/26 budget, with reallocations likely to accommodate the new structures.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For now, Kenyans are watching closely, hopeful that the changes will deliver on the promise of improved governance but wary of the financial burden they may impose. As one X user put it, “Ruto’s new departments could be a game-changer, but only if they deliver results, not just more costs.”</p>
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