Mixed Reaction as President Ruto Scraps Devolution Docket

Gachagua was tasked with fostering good relationships between the devolved system of government and the national government, a key role played by former Devolution CSs. 

Analysts argued that Ruto was obliged to fulfill his agreement with Gachagua, by clearly listing his roles as opposed to his tenure as deputy under former President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

This decision did not sit well with the opposition, with Kisumu governor, Anyang' Nyong'o, stating that Ruto broke the law as the Constitution clearly stipulates that there exists two significant branches of government, the national and devolved governments which are separate but interdependent. 

"Devolution is not given the prominence it deserves as a state department on its own as is currently the case. The Constitution is very clear on this," Nyong'o reacted. 

However, with the bottom-up economic model key in shaping his legacy, the President formed the Co-operatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) docket to spearhead reforms in one of the economy's biggest contributors. 

He trusted distinguished public servant, Simon Chelugui with the docket. Chelugui who is exiting as Labour CS was the only member of Uhuru's Cabinet who was retained in the same capacity. 

Chelugui holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce in Finance, and Public Finance from the University of Nairobi and a Master's degree in Science in Finance Investment from the same institution.

In the previous administration, MSMEs development was under the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade. In his daily duties, Chelugui will coordinate with former Gatundu South MP, Moses Kuria and Njuguna Ndung'u who were appointed CSs for Trade and Investment and Treasury respectively. 

Harriet Chigai, a renowned lawyer, advises Ruto on women's rights in the Cabinet. Chigai previously served as a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and lso applied to be a commissioner for the Independence Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in past elections. 

This new docket fulfills Ruto's promise to introduce a women's rights agency to protect women from Gender-Based Violence (GBV). 

Ruto tasked Mercy Wanjau as the secretary to the Cabinet. Wanjau is a commercial lawyer and the Director of Legal Services at the Communications Authority of Kenya.

Notably, in former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, this docket was managed by Joseph Kinyua, the Head of Public Service.