Kenyans Reacts After Atwoli Lands Another Job In Ruto’s Government

NAIROBI, Kenya — Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Dr. Francis Atwoli has been appointed to the National Board for Social Protection in a fresh round of government appointments announced by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua.

According to a Gazette notice dated October 23, 2026, Dr. Atwoli will serve alongside Kenneth Odire and Richard Mativu Musau as members of the board for a three-year period, effective immediately under the Social Protection Act, 2025.

The newly constituted National Board for Social Protection, which is chaired by Cecilia Mbaka following her appointment by President William Ruto in August 2026, is tasked with overseeing the delivery of non-contributory social assistance and streamlining welfare programs across the country.

Key priorities for the board include coordinating social care services, maintaining a central social protection registry, and expanding safety-net coverage to protect vulnerable demographics, such as older citizens, orphans, persons living with disabilities, and low-income households hit by economic shocks.

The Gazette notice also highlighted key leadership renewals across other ministries. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano extended the tenure of Dr. Albert Long’ora and Francis Nkoitoi on the Board of Directors at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) for another three years. The institute publicly welcomed the decision, praising the duo’s leadership in advancing conservation research and training.

Meanwhile, East African Community (EAC), ASALs, and Regional Development CS Beatrice Askul reappointed Judith Nkomoni Kirorei, Pacha Amos Ntaika, and Agnes Sempeyo Nairowua to the Ewaso Ng’iro South River Basin Development Authority for a one-year term.

President William Ruto also retained Professor Collins Odote Oloo as non-executive chairperson of the Council of Legal Education for three more years.