President William Ruto has reassigned Basic Education Principal Secretary Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok to the State Department for Tourism in changes affecting senior government officials.
According to a presidential notification issued on June 10, 2026, Bitok has been moved from the State Department for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education to the State Department for Tourism under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
“HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT has this afternoon sanctioned re-assignments in the senior ranks of the Executive in the cadre of Principal Secretaries,” the notice states.
Ololtuaa takes over Basic Education
In the changes announced by Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei, Mr. John Lekakeny Ololtuaa has been reassigned from the State Department for Tourism to the State Department for Basic Education.
The presidential communication further states that the reassignments “take effect immediately.”
The reshuffle comes at a critical time for the education sector, with the Ministry of Education currently grappling with a wave of student unrest that has affected a number of secondary schools across the country.
Before his reassignment, Bitok had maintained that the Government would not alter the academic calendar despite unrest reported in some schools.s.
Focus on dialogue and safety
The outgoing Basic Education PS had attributed part of the challenge to increasing pressure facing learners from society and home environments.
He urged teachers and school administrators to strengthen communication channels with students and involve student leaders in decision-making processes, particularly on matters affecting learners directly.
Bitok repeatedly emphasized that open dialogue between school management and students remains one of the most effective ways of reducing tension and preventing unrest in learning institutions.
His reassignment now places him at the helm of the tourism docket as the Government seeks to strengthen tourism growth, destination marketing, and wildlife conservation initiatives.
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Meanwhile, education stakeholders will be keenly watching the transition as John Lekakeny Ololtuaa takes charge of the State Department for Basic Education at a time when school safety, learner welfare, and education reforms remain high on the national agenda.
By Joseph Mambili
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