Kello Harsama Appointed New Petroleum PS

President William Ruto has reassigned two Principal Secretaries in a limited government shake-up aimed at filling the vacant position of Principal Secretary for Petroleum.

According to a formal notification, Principal Secretary Kello Harsama has been transferred from the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development to lead the State Department for Petroleum.

He replaces Mohamed Liban, who resigned from the position in April amid a broader probe into the nation’s fuel supply chain.

The presidency said the changes were made under Article 155(4) of the Kenyan constitution. In the same move, Caroline W. Karugu, who currently serves as Principal Secretary for East African Community Affairs, has been appointed Acting Principal Secretary for the ASALs department in addition to her existing responsibilities.

“The reassignments were intended to fill the vacancy arising from the resignation of the immediate former Principal Secretary for the State Department for Petroleum and to ensure continuity in the administration and coordination of government functions,” the statement read.

The changes take immediate effect.

The notification was signed by Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service.