Kenya Minute.
Thursday, 13 August 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 13 August 2026
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Kenyan press · Person

Julius Bitok

Also known as: Basic Education PS Julius Bitok · Prof. Julius Bitok · former Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok · Prof. Bitok · Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok · Amb. (Prof) Julius Bitok · Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok · PS Julius Bitok · Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok · Professor Julius Bitok · Prof Bitok · Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok · Prof. Juliuis Bitok · Ambassador Prof. Julius Bitok

Tourism Principal Secretary who previously led the State Department for Basic Education; announced Ronald Ngala Utalii College opening in Kilifi for September 2026.

2026-04-292026-08-13

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026
  2. Citizen Digital

    ._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-m', container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails', placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' }); Present during the fete were National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok

    President Ruto defends CBE, reveals plans to recruit 20,000 teachers
  3. The Standard

    Basic Education PS Julius Bitok before the Public Accounts Committee at Bunge Towers, Parliament, Nairobi, April 22, 2026.

    State plans single funding model for primary, junior schools
  4. The Standard

    Basic Education PS Julius Bitok before the National Assembly Committee on Education at Continental House, Parliament, February 24, 2026.

    PS Bitok warns over rising school unrest amid student riots
  5. The Standard

    Basic Education PS Julius Bitok before the Public Accounts Committee at Bunge Towers, Parliament, Nairobi, April 22, 2026.

    Inside State's plan for single funding model for primary, junior schools
  6. Citizen Digital

    Julius Bitok speaks in a past address. PHOTO| COURTESY Audio By Vocalize The government has urged school heads and education officials to proactively address factors contributing to unrest in learning institutions following reported cases that have disrupted learning in some scho

    Gov’t urges school heads to address triggers leading to schools’ unrest
  7. Capital News

    NAIROBI, Kenya, May 14 — Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has called for collective and proactive action among education stakeholders to identify and address early triggers of unrest in schools, as the country records a spike in student unrest.

    PS Bitok urges collective action to detect triggers of unrest in schools amid spike
  8. The Standard

    Principal Secretary Julius Bitok presented the figures to the Departmental Committee on Education on Wednesday, May 13, warning that approved allocations fall dramatically below what the department requires to meet its own targets.

    Budget crisis leaves six million learners without state funding
  9. The Standard

    Julius Bitok calling for immediate and coordinated action to safeguard uninterrupted learning.

    PS Bitok calls for heads to curb school unrest
  10. The Standard

    . [Courtesy] The ghosts of the shocking scheme that handed Kenyan identification documents to fighters linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), suspected international terrorists and other shadowy individuals have now drawn former Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok

    Secret passport pipeline linking Kenya to Sudan's militia fighters
  11. The Standard

    The ghosts of the shocking scheme that handed Kenyan identification documents to fighters linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), suspected international terrorists and other shadowy individuals have now drawn former Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok into the cen

    This man Bitok: Education PS at centre of secret passport pipeline linking Kenya to Sudan's militia fighters
Politics

Dignitaries attend wedding of Kilgoris MP Sunkuli's son

The News

A high-profile wedding ceremony in Narok County brought together senior government officials, political leaders, and dignitaries including Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro to celebrate the marriage of Saitoti Sunkuli and Viola Neyian.

7 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Friday 7 August

  1. Dignitaries attend wedding of Kilgoris MP Sunkuli's son

    A high-profile wedding ceremony in Narok County brought together senior government officials, political leaders, and dignitaries including Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro to celebrate the marriage of Saitoti Sunkuli and Viola Neyian.

    7 August 2026 · Citizen Digital

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Government opens Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Kilifi in September

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced that the Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Kilifi will begin operations in September this year. The facility, whose construction has been delayed over a decade and a half, is expected to address shortages in hospitality workforce training at the Coast.

    4 August 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 2 August

  1. Mandago warns Gachagua against divisive politics in Rift Valley

    Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has cautioned the opposition against spreading tribal and divisive politics ahead of planned Nakuru campaigns, specifically warning Rigathi Gachagua's DCP party against inciting people during visits to the Rift Valley region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    2 August 2026 · The Standard

  2. Ruto defends Vision 2060, urges national unity on development

    President Ruto has defended the proposed Vision 2060 National development plans and called for nationwide participation in shaping Kenya's future. Speaking at a church service, he urged leaders and citizens to work together to ensure Kenya becomes a wealthy and prosperous nation, saying development cannot happen in secrecy or by a few.

    2 August 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 23 July

  1. Ronald Ngala Utalii College to admit 1,000 students September

    The government has confirmed that Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Kilifi will officially admit its first cohort of 1,000 students on September 1, 2026, after more than a decade. The college, 95 per cent complete, will offer diploma and short-term courses in catering, hotel management, housekeeping, seafaring, and hospitality management.

    23 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Ronald Ngala Utalii College to open September 1 with 1,000 students

    Kenya's Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced that Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Kilifi will open on September 1, 2026, welcoming its first cohort of 1,000 students after more than three decades of planning and delays.

    23 July 2026 · Capital News

  3. Ronald Ngala Utalii College opens September 1 with 1,000 students

    Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Kilifi County will admit its first cohort of 1,000 students on September 1, 2026. The facility will offer diploma programmes and professional courses in catering, hotel management, housekeeping, seafaring and other hospitality-related fields, and has been assessed and approved by the State Department for Tourism.

    23 July 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Tourism PS warns leaders against discouraging foreign visitors

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has warned that campaigns discouraging travel to Kenya risk undermining the sector's growth and eroding investor confidence, noting that tourism generated more than Sh500 billion last year and supports nearly two million jobs.

    21 July 2026 · The Standard

Monday 20 July

  1. Tourism PS criticizes Gachagua's call to shun Kenya

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has condemned Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua's remarks urging foreign tourists and investors to avoid Kenya, calling them "irresponsible" and warning they threaten investor confidence and the livelihoods of nearly two million people supported by the tourism sector. Bitok noted that Kenya welcomed 2.7 million international visitors last year, tourism contributes nearly 10 percent of GDP, and the country aims to reach five million arrivals by 2028.

    20 July 2026 · Capital News

Thursday 9 July

  1. KNEC settles overdue examiner pay after months of delays

    The Kenya National Examinations Council has paid outstanding marking allowances owed to examiners who handled the 2025 KJSEA and KCSE exams, after the National Treasury released Sh1.5 billion on July 7. The payment follows months of delays that sparked walkouts and boycott threats from more than 800 KCSE examiners who stopped marking in December.

    9 July 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Kilifi leaders urge government to pay squatters for airport expansion

    County leaders including Senator Stewart Madzayo and MP Amina Mnyazi are calling for the government to compensate squatters and landowners displaced by Malindi International Airport expansion plans. Affected residents are demanding Sh2.5 billion in compensation after eviction, with the matter pending before courts and the Land Acquisition Tribunal.

    8 July 2026 · The Standard

Friday 26 June

  1. Kenya to review airline restrictions to boost tourism

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced plans to review restrictions on the number of airlines and flights allowed into Kenya, assessing requests against airport capacity, security, and national interests. The move is part of efforts to double tourist arrivals by 2028 and eliminate bottlenecks hindering tourism growth.

    26 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Brookside strengthens partnership with hospitality sector for growth

    Milk processor Brookside is expanding its market presence in the hospitality industry through strengthened partnerships with the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, leveraging new product innovations and its national distribution footprint to grow its share of the hotel, restaurant and catering market.

    26 June 2026 · The Standard

  3. Aviation policies limit Kenya's 2025 tourism arrivals

    Kenya recorded 2.7 million tourists in 2025 against a 5 million target, with hoteliers citing restrictive aviation policies that limit airline numbers and weekly flights. The Tourism PS said the government will review restrictions on airlines and flights to boost arrivals, weighing air access requests against airport capacities and security considerations.

    26 June 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 23 June

  1. PS Bitok announces plans to reverse slow tourism growth in Kenya

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has unveiled measures to address the sector's slow growth over the past two decades, saying Kenya could boost arrivals to 10 million in coming years by leveraging local, regional, and global competitiveness. The PS noted that tourism generates more than Sh500 billion annually and that the government is supporting the industry through market diversification and enhanced digital competitiveness, while simplifying the ETA process and removing visa requirements for African tourists.

    23 June 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 14 June

  1. Bitok announces 2027 Uasin Gishu governor bid after 2022 primary loss

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who lost to incumbent Governor Jonathan Bii in the 2022 UDA party primaries, announced his bid for Uasin Gishu governorship in the 2027 General Election and has been campaigning across the county.

    14 June 2026 · The Standard

  2. Tourism PS Julius Bitok faces mounting criticism over leadership

    Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok is facing criticism over his leadership and political activities.

    14 June 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 11 June

  1. Principal Secretary Bitok hands over Basic Education role

    Prof. Julius Bitok has officially handed over leadership of the State Department for Basic Education to Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa following a presidential reshuffle that reassigned Bitok to Tourism. Bitok's tenure, which began in October 2023, was marked by implementation of education reforms and efforts to stabilize the Competency-Based Curriculum transition.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard

  2. Government distributes 10,382 digital devices to junior schools nationwide

    The government has begun distributing 10,382 smart interactive devices and laptops to junior schools across the country as part of efforts to digitise learning under the Competency-Based Curriculum and establish smart classrooms.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 10 June

  1. CS Ogamba to brief nation on school unrest affecting 200 schools

    Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba is scheduled to hold a press briefing on issues affecting the education sector as at least 200 schools have been affected by student unrest, prompting temporary closures and sparking concerns among parents and teachers. The address comes amid ongoing student strikes, property destruction and learning disruptions across several counties.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News

  2. Ruto reassigns embattled Education PS Bitok to Tourism Ministry

    President William Ruto moved Principal Secretary Julius Bitok from the Education Ministry to the State Department for Tourism following criticism over his handling of student unrest that led to closures of over 200 schools. The reassignment has sparked debate about whether Bitok should have been dismissed rather than transferred, with critics citing his short and turbulent tenure and an earlier warning from the Majority Leader about his competence.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News

  3. MPs call for gradual abolition of Kenya's boarding schools

    Lawmakers and education stakeholders are calling for the abolition of boarding schools following unprecedented student unrest across prestigious schools, citing negligence in enforcing safety regulations, overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and mounting discipline challenges. MPs argue that parents have abdicated their responsibilities and that developed countries such as America and Europe do not rely on the boarding school model.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard

  4. Ololtuaa named Principal Secretary for Basic Education

    Educationist John Lekakeny Ololtuaa was named the new Principal Secretary for Basic Education on Tuesday, replacing Professor Julius Bitok, who was transferred to the Tourism docket, previously held by Ololtuaa. The changes were announced by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on behalf of President William Ruto.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Ruto reshuffles education and tourism principal secretaries

    President William Ruto has reassigned Julius Bitok from the State Department for Basic Education to the State Department for Tourism, while John Lekakeny Ololtuaa moved from Tourism to Basic Education, effective immediately.

    9 June 2026 · Capital News

  2. PS Bitok reassigned from Education to Tourism ministry

    Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has been reassigned to the State Department for Tourism, with John Lekakeny Ololtuaa taking over the Basic Education docket, according to a statement by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. Ololtuaa assumes the education post amid recent school unrest that led to closures.

    9 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Student unrest causes deaths and school closures nationwide

    Student unrest continues to spread across the country, causing deaths and major destruction of learning institutions, worsening the education crisis. Education PS Julius Bitok ruled out early school closures despite the rising unrest.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard

  4. President Ruto reshuffles Principal Secretaries for Education and Tourism

    President William Ruto has reassigned Prof. Julius Bitok from the State Department for Basic Education to Tourism, while John Lekakeny Ololtuaa moves from Tourism to the Basic Education docket. The changes take effect immediately amid ongoing school unrest and closures.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard

  5. Government to tighten school safety measures amid student unrest

    The government said fewer than 200 boarding schools have been affected by ongoing student unrest and directed the Ministry of Education to develop interventions aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening security in schools, after incidents of indiscipline have destroyed property and caused loss of life.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard

  6. Education PS Bitok faces mounting criticism over leadership

    Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok is progressively finding himself at the centre of criticism as criticism over his leadership continues to grow. At Kenya High School's prize-giving day, he ruled out early school closures despite rising student unrest.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard

Monday 8 June

  1. Musingu High School closed indefinitely due to external threats

    Musingu High School in Kakamega County has been closed indefinitely, with management citing external threats and escalating tension. The school released students on Monday, June 8, 2026, characterizing the closure as a "peer pressure break" to prevent potential student unrest.

    8 June 2026 · The Standard

Julius Bitok — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute