President Ruto hails outgoing Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua as he hands over to Felix Koskei

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet Secretaries in State House on Thursday, President Ruto hailed Mr Kinyua for ensuring a seamless transition of administration from President Kenyatta's government.

"I want to congratulate Joseph, he has worked with me to make sure that Kenya gives an example of what a transition looks like," he said.

"There was no coup in the election which needed the passing of the baton from one team to another and Joseph made sure that there was a seamless working together between the cabinet that was there and the new cabinet."

On his part, Kinyua expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Kenya's top civil servant.

Kinyua had held the position since Mwai Kibaki was president, and he had also served in Moi's administration.

"I then hand over the mantle of coordinating the Public Service to a new generation of Civil Servants," he said.

"I thank you and your predecessors for according me the privilege to serve in four successful administrations and in yours as well. It has been a profound honour and humbling journey. I'm immensely grateful to be accorded the rare opportunity to serve Kenyans and the great men chosen to be President."

Kinyua handed over the mantle to his successor Felix Koskei as the first order of business during the ceremony, allowing him to steer the day's agenda.

Koskei was appointed to the position as a member of President Ruto's Executive Office on October 14, 2022.