Principal Secretaries are the heads of ministerial departments, fulfilling specific roles and oversight. This position was created to impose proper control in the running of ministries and eliminate ambiguity. Therefore, they are the main pillars, ascertaining that all affairs are running smoothly. A principal secretary in Kenya has the following duties and responsibilities:
- Serving as the State Department’s Accounting Officer and Authorized Officer.
- Implementing government policies and the State Department’s Strategic Plan.
- Aiding in the accomplishment of the goals and objectives of government and intergovernmental programs and projects.
- Creating and implementing a successful performance management system.
- Ensuring the efficient and effective use of the State Department’s financial, human, and other resources, as well as the timely submission of statutory reports.
- Promoting high standards of professional ethics, values and principles in the State Department’s operations.
Here are the principal secretaries in Kenya.
| No. | State Department | Principal Secretary |
| 1. | Cabinet Affairs | Idris Salim Dokota |
| 2. | Devolution | Teresia Mbaika Malokwe |
| 3. | Performance and Delivery Management | Veronica Mueni Nduva |
| 4. | Parliamentary Affairs | Aurelia Rono |
| 5. | Interior and National Administration | Raymond Omollo |
| 6. | Correctional Services | Esther Ngero |
| 7. | Citizen Services | Amb. Julius Bitok |
| 8. | The National Treasury | Dr. Chris Kiptoo |
| 9. | Economic Planning | James Muhati |
| 10. | Defence | Patrick Mariro |
| 11. | Foreign Affairs | Korir Sing’oei |
| 12. | Diaspora Affiars | Roseline Njogu |
| 13. | Public Service | Amos Gathecha |
| 14. | Gender and Affirmative Action | Anne Wang’ombe |
| 15. | Roads | Joseph Mungai Mbugua |
| 16. | Transport | Mohamed Dhagar |
| 17. | Lands and Physical Planning | Nixon Korir |
| 18. | Housing and Urban Development | Charles Hinga |
| 19. | Public Works | Joel Arumonyang |
| 20. | Broadcasting and Telecommunications | Prof. Edward Kisiangani |
| 21. | ICT and Digital Economy | Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui |
| 22. | Medical Services | Eng. Peter Tum |
| 23. | Health Standards and Professional Management | – |
| 24. | Basic Education | Dr. Belio Kipsang |
| 25. | TVET | Esther Thaara Muhoria |
| 26. | Higher Education and Research | Beatrice Inyangala |
| 27. | Crops Development | Dr. Paul Ronoh |
| 28. | Livestock Development | Harry Kimutai |
| 29. | Trade | Alfred K’Ombundo |
| 30. | Investment Promotion | Abubakar Hassan |
| 31. | Industry | Juma Mukhwana |
| 32. | Cooperatives | Patrick Kiburi Kilemi |
| 33. | MSMEs Development | Susan Mangeni |
| 34. | Youth Affairs | Ismail Madey |
| 35. | Sports and The Arts | Jonathan Mueke |
| 36. | Environment | Festus Ngeno |
| 37. | Forestry | Ephantus Kimotho |
| 38. | Tourism | John Ololtuaa |
| 39. | Wildlife | Sylvia Naseya Muhoro |
| 40. | Culture and Heritage | Ummy Mohammed Bashir |
| 41. | Water and Sanitation | Julius Korir |
| 42. | Irrigation | Gitonga Mugambi |
| 43. | Energy | Alex Wachira |
| 44. | Petroleum | Mohamed Liban |
| 45. | Labour and Skills Development | Shadrack Mwadime |
| 46. | Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs | Joseph Mugosi Mutavi |
| 47. | East African Community Development | Abdi Dubart |
| 48. | The ASALs and Regional Development | Harsama Kello |
| 49. | Mining | Elijah Mwangi |
| 50. | Blue Economy and Fisheries | Betsy Muthoni Njagi |
| 51. | Shipping and Maritime Affairs | Geoffrey Kaituko |
