Kenya’s 21 Presidential Advisers: Full List & Legal Status
Author: Peter | Natural Heart Health Solutions | July 2025 Investigative Report
Background
President William Ruto has appointed 21 presidential advisers covering economic, legal, governance, and security portfolios. While the Constitution allows the President to establish public offices under Article 132(4)(a), this must be done with Public Service Commission (PSC) recommendation — a step critics claim was bypassed.
Full List of Presidential Advisers
| Name | Role | County | Background | Est. Salary (KSh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Ndii | Chair, Economic Council | Kiambu | Economist, Oxford PhD, ex-NASA strategist | 666,364 |
| Moses Kuria | Senior Economic Advisor | Kiambu | Ex-MP, ex-CS, entrepreneur | 600,000 |
| Prof. Makau Mutua | Constitutional Affairs | Kitui | Law scholar, SUNY Buffalo dean | 550,000 |
| Monica Juma | National Security | Nandi | Former CS Foreign Affairs & Defence | 800,000+ |
| Joseph Boinnet | Deputy National Security | Marakwet | Ex-Inspector General of Police | 500,000 |
| Harriette Chiggai | Women’s Rights | Kakamega | LSK Vice President, gender advocate | 500,000 |
| Prof. Abdi Guliye | Electoral Systems | Mandera | Ex-IEBC Commissioner, academic | 500,000 |
| Dr. Nancy Laibuni | Economic Modeling | Narok | Economist, ex-KIPPRA lead | 450,000 |
| Mohammed Hassan | Investment Strategy | Garissa | Ex-NIC Bank Director | 450,000 |
| Vincent Machuki | Trade Policy | Kisii | Trade economist, ex-Trade PS | 450,000 |
| Augustine Cheruiyot | Economic Transformation | Kericho | Ex-Bottom-Up Strategy Lead | 500,000 |
| Adan Mohamed | Regional Integration | Mandera | Ex-CS Industrialization | 550,000 |
| Jaoko Oburu | Youth & Empowerment | Siaya | Son of Oburu Odinga, youth policy | 450,000 |
| Dr. Silvester Kasuku | Governance | Vihiga | Urban development & infrastructure | 500,000 |
| Major (Rtd) Ali Mahat | Security Affairs | Wajir | Retired officer, border security | 450,000 |
| Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani | Policy & Communication | Bungoma | Academic, strategic comms | 500,000 |
| Dr. Jane Imbunya | Public Service Reform | Busia | Public sector HR expert | 450,000 |
| Regina Ombam | Trade & Investment | Homa Bay | Ex-Kenya Investment Authority | 450,000 |
| Cyrell Odede | Assets Management | Kisumu | Public Finance Reform | 450,000 |
| Ismael Madey | Special Programmes | Marsabit | Disaster response strategist | 450,000 |
| Teresiah Mbaika | Aviation & Aerospace | Machakos | Policy consultant, aviation law | 450,000 |
Controversy: Dr. David Ndii’s Remarks
Full Name: Dr. David Ndii
Twitter Handle: @DavidNdii
Background: Oxford-trained economist, ex-NASA strategist, Chair of Ruto’s Economic Council
“Let me tell you some home truths, you stupid young people... there’ll be casualties.” — David Ndii on Twitter, June 23, 2025[3]
The tweet sparked nationwide outrage during July 2025 protests, with many accusing him of promoting state violence against demonstrators.
Conclusion
Kenya’s presidential advisory framework now stands at a crossroads. While the Constitution allows the presidency administrative powers, these must operate transparently and within legal bounds. With millions spent monthly on unelected advisers and rising public unrest, a national reckoning over governance and fiscal ethics may be imminent.
