Belio Kipsang Makes Comeback to Education Docket as Ruto Releases List of 51 PSs
President William Ruto kept a small number of principal secretaries from the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Dr. Belio Kipsang, the former Principal Secretary of Education, and Charles Hinga, the former Principal Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, were among the PSs granted the opportunity to serve in Ruto’s government.
In February 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta, now retiring, dismissed Belio Kipsang from his important post as Education Principal Secretary. Belio Kipsang makes a comeback to the docket.
President William Ruto selected the long-serving PS in charge of the Northern Corridor Development Department as the accounting officer for Basic Education on Wednesday.
Kipsang, who survived Ruto’s drastic reorganization of PSs, has been in charge of the powerful Ministry of Education since 2013.
During campaigns preceding the August 9 election, Kipsang was among the top Uhuru-era PSs who supported Ruto openly but were never sacked.
Kipsang was transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of East African Community and Regional Development in February 2021 to serve as the PS in charge of Regional and Northern Corridor Development.
His transfer was announced by the previous head of the public service, Joseph Kinyua, on Wednesday evening.
Julius Jwan succeeded Kipsang, who had served as Vocational Training Principal Secretary for eight years since the Jubilee administration came to office.
Jwan was the Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development in the past.
According to sources, former Secretary of State for Education George Magoha was anticipating a crisis in schools with implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Uhuru was so committed to ensuring the smooth implementation of the CBC that he created a new state department to oversee its implementation.
Other reports said that a tense working relationship between Magoha and Kipsang over the ministry’s administration led to the cabinet reshuffle.
Kipsang served under CSs Jacob Kaimenyi, Fred Matiangi, and Amina Mohammed during his service at the Ministry of Education.
Among his accomplishments is the establishment of the National Education Management Information System, the gradual increase in capitation for students in primary and secondary schools, the elimination of examination fees, the effective administration of national examinations, the prompt release of results, and the placement of students.
According to education sources, the feud between former CS Magoha and Kipsang began after the Public Service Commission (PSC) deprived Magoha of his human resource management powers.
Kipsang took over after Magoha ridiculed Uasin Gishu Education Director Gitonga Mbaka, causing a national outcry.
Because of their fractious relationship, Kipsang was transferred to the Ministry of East African Community (EAC) as the PS in charge of Regional and Northern Corridor Development at the State Department of Regional Development.
According to education sources, the feud began after the Public Service Commission (PSC) deprived Magoha of his human resource management powers.
Kipsang took over after Magoha ridiculed Uasin Gishu Education Director Gitonga Mbaka, causing a national outcry.
Because of their fractious relationship, Kipsang was transferred to the Ministry of East African Community (EAC) as the PS in charge of Regional and Northern Corridor Development at the State Department of Regional Development.
However, some education stakeholders demanded that the CS be fired or provide a public apology.
Since 2013, Kipsang has served as Education PS under prior Education CSS Jacob Kaimenyi, Fred Matiang’i, Amina Mohammed, and Magoha.
His ministry accomplishments include establishing the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), a progressive increase in capitation for learners in elementary and secondary schools, and eliminating examination fees.
He is also credited with efficiently administering national examinations, releasing results on time, and placing students.
Kipsang also counseled former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the trial of free laptop computers for primary-level students in public schools.
Even as Belio Kipsang makes a comeback, he will review and implement the Competency-Based Curriculum under the current Education CS, Ezekiel Machogu.
The PS nominee has a Ph.D. in Education (Educational Administration and Planning) from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, as well as a Master of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor (Honours) degree in Education (Business and Economics) from the University of Nairobi (UoN).
Outgoing Education PSs Sarah Ruto and Julius Jwan, as well as Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof.Laban Ayiro, were among those vying for the PS role.
Dr. Julius Jwan, who took over the Education Ministry from Kipsang, was previously the Principal Secretary for Vocational and Technical Training.
Kipsang was also in the office at the commencement of the failed initiative to provide free laptops to elementary school students in public schools.
Charles Hinga, who also served under Uhuru’s administration, was reinstated as the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Principal Secretary.
Hinga was in charge of the department of housing and urban development that was responsible with implementing the affordable housing plan.
Uhuru Kenyatta, now retired, adopted the Big Four Agenda as a road map for development. The housing plan was incorporated into this plan.
During his administration, the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works oversaw the construction of approximately 10,000 dwellings intended to increase the population’s access to good housing in Nairobi and its metropolitan area.
The department is essential to the government of President Ruto, which has been eager to implement the cheap housing plan.
Since his ascent to power, President William Ruto has stated his aim to utilize available resources to develop more than 200,000 apartments annually.
Former PS of the Department of Trade at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Cooperatives was also nominated as Secretary-General of the National Treasury.
Economist Kiptoo was lauded for his work toward ratifying multilateral agreements between Kenya and global organizations such as the European Union (EU) and the East Africa Community (EAC).
Kiptoo will collaborate closely with the team at the Treasury and the Office of the President tasked with turning around Kenya’s economy, pending his approval.
Julius Korir (State Department of Cabinet Affairs), Hilary Kimutai (State Department of Livestock Development), and Peter Tum (State Department of Medical Services) are all significant figures making a comeback in President Ruto’s administration.
The names of the 51 newly appointed senior secretaries were forwarded to parliament for deliberation and confirmation by the president.
The list is comprised of over 500 candidates who were interviewed for 50 positions.
The list has been forwarded to the National Assembly for review.
Nixon Korir and Jonathan Muike are the two poll losers who have made the list.
Korir has been nominated for a position within the State Department of Lands and Physical Planning.
Even before IEBC revealed the official results, the former legislator who had served Lang’ata Constituency for five years conceded defeat to Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o.
“From the results that we’ve tallied at the Generali centre, my competitor Jalango has a lead and I want to congratulate him as he prepares to take the mantle and move Langata forward. “
He took to social media to thank the folks of Lang’ata for allowing him to serve as their representative for the past five years.
Korir thanked the people of Lang’ata for giving him the opportunity to serve as their member of parliament for the past five years.
Jonathan Mueke, who had previously served as the first deputy governor of Nairobi, attempted his luck in Kitui as the governor.
Mueke has been nominated for a position in the State Department of Arts and Sports.
He conceded loss, recognizing that the election was conducted with a level of political maturity that demonstrates the country’s progress.
“Kenya is truly poised to be an economic and political powerhouse on our continent. Because of my desire to serve Kitui and the people of Kenya, we have over the last 2 years ran a spirited race for Governor,” he said.
A race predicated on integrity, honesty, and goodwill in order to do what is right for our people.
“To the people of Lang’ata, I sincerely thank you for according me an opportunity to be your Member of Parliament for the last 5 years,” Korir said
