Ruto Appoints Former KTN Anchor As Secretary State Functions

The core mandate of the Secretary of State Functions is to coordinate, plan, manage and implement communication of government policies, programs and initiatives.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jan 7, 2023 - 20:52 Updated: Jan 7, 2023 - 20:53
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Ruto Appoints Former KTN Anchor As Secretary State Functions
Secretary State Functions Michael Gitonga. /TWITTER.MIKE GITONGA

President William Ruto on Saturday, January 7 appointed former KTN News anchor Mike Gitonga as the new Secretary of State Functions.

The Secretary of State is a revamped Office of Government Spokesperson (OGS) that was previously occupied by Rtd Col. Cyrus Oguna. The OGS acted as the nerve centre of government communications.

The core mandate of the Secretary of State Functions is to coordinate, plan, manage and implement communication of government policies, programs and initiatives.

President William Ruto speaking during a Cabinet retreat in Nanyuki on January 5, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO

It is also mandated with providing oversight of the technical operations of the Directorates of Information, Public Communication, and Film Services, Kenya News Agency, Government Advertising Agency, Office of the Information Secretary, the Government Media Centre and all affiliated functions in various Ministries and Government Agencies.

"With a new year comes new beginnings I am first of all grateful to God. I also take this opportunity to thank the President of Kenya William Ruto for the opportunity to serve this nation as Secretary of State Functions,” he wrote in officially announcing his new role.

“I am indebted to the First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto. Your leadership and guidance are invaluable I will work to the best of my ability to fulfil the responsibilities of this role, so help me God.”

Gitonga is a skilled communication expert with strategic knowledge in electrical engineering, leadership development, communication, and branding.

He holds a Degree in Electrical Engineering from Nottingham University in the United Kingdom (UK).

He worked at Family Media which owns Family TV before he joined the Standard Media Group (SMG) where he hosted the morning show Morning Express on KTN News.

He then moved to the role of Communication Director in the office of First Lady Rachel Ruto where he spearheaded the MAMA initiative.

He also contributed to programmes that were aimed at realising Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like zero hunger, gender equality, climate action, no poverty, and quality education among others.

Gitonga joins his former colleague in the media field, Hussein Mohamed, who serves currently as State House spokesperson.

Former KTN News anchor Michael Gitonga. /STANDARD DIGITAL

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