Owalo, Itumbi react after landing new appointments

By Peter Ochieng 

Former Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Information, Communication, Technology and the Digital Economy Eliud Owalo is a happy soul, after landing a new appointment in President William Ruto’s administration.

The former CS is now the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery.

Owalo was part of President William Ruto’s first cabinet, which was dissolved at the height of June and July Gen-Z and millennials protests, against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

The former CSs will now be responsible for effective and efficient implementation, monitoring and evaluation of priority projects and initiatives of the 5th administration.

The office is also charged with overseeing performance of government ministries, departments and agencies in service delivery.

Reacting to the new appointment, Owalo thanked the Head of State for offering him another opportunity to serve Kenyans.

“Under the tutelage and close guidance of the President, I look forward to working with all stakeholders in strengthening the performance management framework within government,” he said.

Owalo added, “Inculcating a culture results-based culture in the public service and ensuring efficient and effective delivery of government priority projects in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Agenda (BETA).”

He expressed his commitment to closely working with the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei.

Owalo’s former colleague in the cabinet Moses Kiarie Kuria was appointed Senior Advisor in the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, while digital strategist Dennis Itumbi was appointed the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President.

Itumbi who was previously appointed Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) before the Court slammed brakes on the appointment, thanked Ruto for the continued chance to serve.

“I am listening to your ideas. Thanks all for the kind words and criticism too. Thank you, President Wiliam Ruto, for the continued chance to serve,” he said.

During his time in cabinet, Owalo was frequently ranked among the best performing Cabinet Secretaries.