President William Ruto's recent appointment of Chief Administrative Secretaries has sparked controversy and criticism, with many noting that he mainly rewarded his cronies and election losers with the positions.

The appointments were made on March 16, 2023, subject to parliamentary vetting.

The move is seen as contradicting an earlier pledge by the President to offer opportunities to the common mwananchi, or citizen.

Instead, the appointments have raised concerns about nepotism and political favoritism, with some questioning the qualifications of the appointees.

Critics argue that the appointments appear to be more about rewarding loyalty and political connections than promoting merit and competence.

The Chief Administrative Secretaries serve as assistants to Cabinet Secretaries and are responsible for overseeing the implementation of government policies and programs. 

It remains to be seen how the appointments will be received by the public and whether they will impact President Ruto's popularity and support.

However, the controversy highlights the ongoing challenges facing Kenya's political system and the need for greater accountability and transparency in government appointments and decision-making.

Below is the list of nominees

Office of the Deputy President

• Ms. Ann Wanjiku Mwangi

• Mr. Nicholas Ngabiya Rioba

• Mr. Edwin Sudi Wandabusi

Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary

• Hon. Sharif Athman Ali

• Hon. Isaac Mwaura Maigua

• Hon. Rehema Hassan

Ministry of Interior & National Administration

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• Hon. Samuel Kuntai Tunai

• Hon. Millicent Nyaboke Omanga

• Amb. Mohamud Ali Saleh

Ministry of Defence

• Hon. Alfred Agoi Masadia

The National Treasury & Economic Planning

• Hon. Kirui Joseph Limo

• Hon. Beatrice Nkatha Nyaga

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Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs

• Hon. Joash Arthur Maangi

• Hon. Catherine Waruguru

Ministry of Public Service, Gender & Affirmative Action

• Hon. Benjamin Jomo Washiali

• Eng. Nicholas Gumbo

Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development

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• Hon. Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri

• Hon. Victor Kioko Munyaka

Ministry of Information, Communications & The Digital Economy

• Mr. Dennis Njue Itumbi, HSC

• Mr. Simon Mwangi Kamau

Ministry of Health

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• Mr. James Kimanthi Mbaluka

• Hon. Khatib Abdallah Mwashetani

Ministry of Education

• Mr. Elly Stephen Loldepe

• Hon. Mark Lomunokol

• Hon. Anab Mohamed Gure

Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development

• Mr. Jackson Kiptanui

• Mr. Daniel Wamahiu Kiongo

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Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry

• Hon. Evans Odhiambo Kidero

• Hon. Vincent Kemosi Mogaka

• Hon. Lilian Cheptoo Tomitom

Ministry of Co-Operatives & Micro, Small, Enterprises Development

• Hon. (Bishop) Margaret Wanjiru

• Mr. Amos Chege Mugo

Ministry of Youth Affairs, The Arts & Sports

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• Hon. Wesley Korir

• Hon. Charles Njagua Kanyi

Ministry Climate Change & Forestry

• Ms. Jackline Mwenesi Lukalo

• Hon. Nyaga John Muchiri

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Heritage

• Hon. Wilson Sossion

• Hon. Rehema Dida Jaldesa

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Ministry of Water, Sanitation & Irrigation

• Hon. Chrisantus Wamalwa

• Mr. Sunya Orre

Ministry of Energy & Petroleum

• Hon. Mary Yaine Seneta

• Hon. John Lodepe Nakara

Ministry of Labour & Social Protection

• Prof. Elijah Gitonga Rintaugu

Ministry of East African Community (EAC), The ASALS & Regional Development

• Ms. Mwanamaka Amani Mabruki

• Ms. Rael Chebichii Lelei

Ministry of Mining, Economy & Maritime Affairs

• Mr. David Kipkorir Kiplagat

• Hon. Fredrick Otieno Outa

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The State Law Office

• Mr. Allan Kibet Kosgey

Some of the bignames who missed out on the opportunity include Former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici, Macdonald Mariga, Linda Ogutu and Mwanaisha Chidzuga