On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Geoffrey Ruku and Hanna Cheptumo were sworn in as the new Cabinet Secretaries for Public Service, Human Capital Development & Special Programmes, and Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, respectively. The ceremony took place at State House, Nairobi, with President William Ruto presiding over the event.
The two leaders, along with several appointed Principal Secretaries, took their oaths of office after their nominations were confirmed by the Committee on Appointments. Following this confirmation, President Ruto issued a gazette notice on April 16, 2025, officially appointing them to their new positions. The notice was in line with the powers granted by Article 152 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya.
Hanna Cheptumo now leads the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, while Geoffrey Ruku takes over the Ministry of Public Service, replacing Justin Muturi, who was dismissed in a recent reshuffle. Muturi's exit from the cabinet has been linked to his outspoken criticism of the government, especially after his son’s abduction. The reshuffle, and Muturi’s subsequent dismissal, has been the subject of much discussion, but it marks a new chapter for both ministries.
The ceremony also saw the swearing-in of other Principal Secretaries, solidifying President Ruto’s latest cabinet adjustments. As new leaders take charge of these key ministries, all eyes are on their next steps and how they will handle the ongoing challenges facing their sectors.
Geoffrey Ruku’s appointment to the Public Service ministry marks a shift in leadership, with expectations high for his performance. His leadership will likely influence reforms and changes within the public sector, which has been a central focus for the current administration. Similarly, Hanna Cheptumo’s new role places her at the heart of cultural and gender issues, areas that are crucial for promoting societal equality and national unity.
As the new CSs embark on their roles, the country looks forward to seeing how their leadership will shape public service and gender policies in Kenya. The ceremony marked the beginning of their significant contributions to the government’s development agenda.
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