President Ruto Creates New Education Department, Appoints Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat as PS
Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has created a new State Department under the Ministry of Education and appointed Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat as the Principal Secretary (PS) for Science, Research, and Innovation.
This new department has been separated from the Higher Education department, which remains under Beatrice Inyangala. With this change, the Ministry of Education, led by Julius Ogamba, now has three Principal Secretaries.
Changes in the Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education now has the following departments:
- Basic Education – Led by Julius Bitok, who previously worked in Immigration.
- Higher Education – Led by Beatrice Inyangala.
- Science, Research, and Innovation – Newly created and led by Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat.
Who is Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat?
Prof. Shaukat is a well-respected academic and researcher. He is currently the Director for Africa at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
His Background & Experience:
- Former CEO of the Kenya National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2008–2014).
- Served as Vice-Chancellor of Umma University and Deputy VC at Egerton University.
- Held leadership roles at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute and Kenya Medical Research Institute.
- Published many research papers in international journals.
- Holds a PhD in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Aberdeen, UK and a Post-Doctorate from Shimane University, Japan.
Why Was This Department Created?
President Ruto announced this decision while awarding a charter to Riara University. He emphasized the government’s plan to boost research, innovation, and development in universities.
“I am seriously considering a State Department to deal specifically with research, development, and innovation as a way of ensuring that we grow that space,” Ruto said.
The government aims to turn Kenyan universities into centers of research and innovation, helping students and professionals create new solutions for the country’s future.
President Ruto Creates New Education Department, Appoints Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat as PS
