Kenyan President William Ruto swaps education and tourism principal secretaries amid school unrest

President William Ruto announced a direct swap of two senior civil servants on 9 June. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok was moved to the State Department for Tourism, while Tourism Principal Secretary John Lekakeny Ololtuaa took over the Basic Education docket. The changes were confirmed by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and took effect immediately.

The reshuffle comes as the education ministry faces a wave of unrest that has forced the closure of more than 80 schools across Kenya, with incidents of fires and strikes linked to exam‑related anxiety. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government is holding high‑level consultations and implementing short‑ and long‑term measures to restore safety and normal learning. This is the second principal‑secretary reshuffle in weeks, following a May move that placed a new head in the petroleum department.