NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has reshuffled senior government officials, reassigning Basic Education Principal Secretary Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok to the State Department for Tourism and appointing Tourism Principal Secretary John Lekakeny Ololtuaa to head the State Department for Basic Education.
The changes were announced on Tuesday through a notification of presidential action issued by Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei.
According to the notice, the two Principal Secretaries have effectively swapped positions, with Bitok moving to Tourism while Ololtuaa assumes responsibility for the Basic Education docket.
“The reassignments take effect immediately,” the Executive Office of the President said in the notification dated June 9, 2026.
Bitok has been serving as Principal Secretary for Basic Education since March 2025, when he exchanged positions with Belio Kipsang, who was reassigned to the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services.
Ololtuaa takes over amid school unrest crisis
Ololtuaa assumes leadership of the Basic Education docket at a critical time, with the Ministry of Education facing growing concern over a wave of student unrest and school fires that have disrupted learning in several institutions across the country.
In recent weeks, a number of schools have been forced to close following incidents of unrest, while authorities continue investigations into fires reported in learning institutions in different counties.
His appointment places him at the centre of government efforts to address discipline challenges, student welfare concerns, and broader education reforms.
Veteran education administrator
Ololtuaa brings decades of experience in the education sector to his new role.
He holds a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree and a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Kenyatta University and began his professional career in education in 1993.
Over the years, he has served in several senior positions within the education sector, including County Director of Education for Bomet and Kajiado counties, as well as Regional Director of Education.
He also served under the Transition Authority during the implementation of Kenya’s devolved system of government, where he worked as the County Transition Coordinator for Narok County.
Experience beyond education
Before his latest appointment, Ololtuaa served as Principal Secretary in the State Department for Tourism, where he oversaw efforts aimed at promoting Kenya’s tourism industry and strengthening the sector’s contribution to economic growth.
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He has also been involved in youth mentorship initiatives and has supported various youth empowerment programmes across the country.
In 2020, he participated in the Global Schools Partnership Programme implemented through the British Council, an initiative designed to strengthen learning partnerships between schools in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Government profiles describe Ololtuaa as an advocate of strategic leadership, professionalism, transparency, integrity and accountability in public service.
The latest changes form part of ongoing adjustments within President Ruto’s administration as the government seeks to strengthen service delivery across key sectors.
