President Ruto names Kenya’s New Tourism Minister
The President of Kenya Dr. William Ruto has nominated former Kitui Deputy Governor Peninah Malonza as the Cabinet Secretary for the expanded portfolio of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage.
The President after his meeting with the outgoing cabinet of Uhuru Kenyatta announced a twenty three member team which will form his government.
Peninah Malonza will be taking over from veteran minister Najib Balala if she secures confirmation from the vetting and appointment committee.
Ms. Malonza, a former senior executive with Compassion International – a non-governmental organisation, is best known for the five years she served as Deputy Governor between 2013 and 2017 and the acrimonious falling out with her boss-Governor Julius Malombe.
In an interesting political twist, Ms Malonza was named by former Kitui Senator David Musila as his running mate, while still serving under Governor Malombe, and campaigned hard to send her boss home in the 2017 General Election. Both Mr. Malombe and Mr. Musila lost the elections.
She will be tasked with steering the recovery of the tourism industry which was battered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
