Kenyans Face Higher Costs as President Ruto Creates Seven New PS Positions

In Politics & Governance
March 21, 2025
File image of President William Ruto. PHOTO | COURTESY
President William Ruto has expanded the government by establishing seven new State Departments, increasing the number of Principal Secretaries (PSs) to approximately 58—the highest since the 2010 Constitution was enacted. The newly created State Departments and their appointed PSs are: Public Investments and Assets Management (National Treasury and Economic Planning) – Cyrell Wagunda Odede National Government Coordination (Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary) – Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs (Office of the Attorney General) – Judith Pareno Science, Research, and Innovation (Ministry of Education) – Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat Aviation and Aerospace Development (Ministry of Roads and Transport) – Teresiah Mbaika Special Programmes (Ministry of Public Service) – Ismael Madey Children Welfare Services (Ministry of Labour and Social Protection) – Carren Ageng’o Achieng Each Principal Secretary earns a gross monthly salary of Ksh.792,519, totaling Ksh.9.5 million annually. On top of this, they receive allowances, official vehicles, medical benefits, life insurance, and favorable loan packages—expenses that will be shouldered by taxpayers. The expansion has sparked concerns about the increasing size of the government and its financial burden on Kenyan citizens.