The Kenyan government has undertaken a major reshuffle of Principal Secretaries (PSs), affecting multiple ministries. Among the biggest changes is the swap between Dr. Belio Kipsang and Prof. Julius Bitok, with Kipsang moving to the State Department for Immigration & Citizen Services under the Ministry of Interior & National Administration, while Bitok takes over as PS for Basic Education at the Ministry of Education.
This reshuffle, announced by President William Ruto, also includes other key PS reassignments and diplomatic appointments.
Dr. Belio Kipsang’s Legacy in the Education Sector
Dr. Kipsang has been a key figure in the education sector for years, overseeing critical reforms such as:
- Implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)
- Expansion of Junior Secondary Schools (JSS)
- Supervision of TSC teacher promotions and recruitment
- Enhancing TSC online services, including the TSC application portal, TPAD, and TSC payslip online
- Enforcing the 100% transition policy from primary to secondary school
Under his leadership, teachers closely followed TSC breaking news on promotions, TSC recruitment updates, and TSC transfer online processes.
Dr. Julius Bitok Takes Over as PS for Basic Education
With Dr. Kipsang’s transfer, Prof. Julius Bitok now takes charge of Basic Education at the Ministry of Education. His priorities will likely include:
- Navigating ongoing CBC implementation challenges
- Handling teacher shortage issues under TSC recruitment
- Overseeing upcoming teacher promotions as per the latest TSC news
- Improving TSC online services, including TPAD and TSC payslips
Other Key Transfers in the Principal Secretary (PS) Reshuffle
Alongside Kipsang and Bitok’s swap, other notable reassignments include:
Promotions and New Appointments
- Amos Gathecha – Promoted from PS Public Service to Deputy Head of Public Service
- Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani – Appointed Senior Advisor & Member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors
- Regina Akoth Ombam – PS for Trade
- Cyrell Wagunda Odede – PS for Public Investments & Assets Management
- Dr. Caroline Wanjiru Karugu – PS for East African Community (EAC) Affairs
- Dr. Oluga Fredrick Ouma – PS for Medical Services, Ministry of Health
- Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim – PS for National Government Coordination
- Judith Naiyai Pareno – PS for Justice, Human Rights & Constitutional Affairs
- Dr. Bonface Makokha – PS for Economic Planning
- Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat – PS for Science, Research & Innovation
- Stephen Isaboke – PS for Broadcasting & Telecommunications
- CPA Carren Ageng’o Achieng – PS for Children Welfare Services
- Aden Abdi Millah – PS for Shipping & Maritime Affairs
Reassigned Principal Secretaries
- Ms. Teresiah Mbaika – PS for Aviation & Aerospace Development
- Mr. Ismael Madey – PS for Special Programmes
- Mr. Harry Kimtai – PS for Mining
- Mr. Elijah Mwangi – PS for Sports
Diplomatic Appointments: New Ambassadors & Consuls
In addition to these internal transfers, President Ruto also appointed several ambassadors and consuls:
- Susan Nakhumicha Wafula – Permanent Representative to the UN Habitat, Nairobi
- James Buyekane Muhati – Consul-General, Guangzhou (China)
- Abdi Dubat Fidhow – Consul-General, Arusha (Tanzania)
- Eng. Peter Tum – Ambassador to Kinshasa (DR Congo)
- Alfred Ombudo K’Ombundo – Deputy Head of Mission, Brussels (Belgium)
- Geoffrey Eyanae Kaituko – Deputy Head of Mission, Rome (Italy)
Impact of These Changes
The government reshuffle signals a strategic realignment in key ministries. For the education sector, teachers and stakeholders will be keenly watching:
- How Prof. Julius Bitok will handle TSC promotions, TSC recruitment, and CBC implementation
- Updates on the TSC application portal, TSC payslips, and TSC online services
- Future changes to TPAD and the TSC transfer online system
Similarly, Dr. Belio Kipsang’s new role in Immigration & Citizen Services will be crucial in streamlining passport issuance, ID registration, and immigration reforms.
Final Thoughts
This Principal Secretary reshuffle marks significant leadership changes in Kenya. While Dr. Belio Kipsang transitions to Immigration, teachers will look to Prof. Julius Bitok for continued support in education reforms.
For teachers following TSC news, stay updated on the latest
