President William Ruto has reshuffled senior government officials following the resignation of former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, who stepped down amid investigations into the alleged importation of substandard fuel.
In a statement released on Thursday, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced the reassignment of two Principal Secretaries to ensure continuity in government operations within the affected State departments.
The changes come days after Liban resigned alongside Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang.
The three officials have been linked to ongoing investigations surrounding claims of contaminated fuel imports into the country.
Kello Harsama Moved to Petroleum Department
Under the latest changes, Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama has been reassigned to the State Department for Petroleum.
Harsama now takes over the docket previously held by Liban at a time when the government faces mounting pressure over concerns surrounding fuel quality and regulation in the energy sector.
Koskei said the reshuffle is intended to maintain smooth coordination and administration within the government as investigations continue.
Caroline Karugu Takes Additional Role
East African Community (EAC) Affairs Principal Secretary Caroline Karugu has meanwhile been assigned an additional responsibility as Acting Principal Secretary for ASALs and Regional Development.
Karugu will temporarily oversee the docket left vacant following Harsama’s transfer to the Petroleum department.
The dual assignment is expected to remain in place until substantive appointments or further changes are made by the President.
Officials Resigned Amid Fuel Probe
Liban, Bargoria and Sang resigned after they were questioned by investigators over the alleged importation of substandard petroleum products.
Although the three officials were later released, investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
The controversy has triggered public concern over fuel quality, consumer protection and oversight within Kenya’s petroleum sector.
The government has yet to release detailed findings regarding the alleged fuel imports, but pressure has continued to mount on energy sector regulators and officials.
Government Seeks Stability Amid Investigations
The latest reshuffle signals attempts by the government to stabilize operations within the energy sector as scrutiny intensifies over fuel management and regulatory accountability.
The Petroleum docket remains one of the most sensitive departments in government due to its direct impact on fuel pricing, energy supply and the wider economy.
Observers say the appointments could shape how the government responds to the ongoing investigations and broader reforms within the petroleum sector.
