Dr. Patrick Mariru, PhD, CBS
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Dr. Patrick Mariru is the current Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Defence, a position he was appointed to on 2 December 2022 by H.E William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces. He is the Chief Accounting Officer for all budgetary allocations in the Ministry of Defence as well as secretary to the Defence Council.
He is an enthusiastic and dedicated Public Policy & Management expert with local, national and international experience of over 15 years in public policy development, community engagement, program development and supporting national government initiatives.
The PS previously served as a Member of Parliament for Laikipia West Constituency and an Alternate Speaker at the National Assembly in Kenya’s 12th Parliament between 2017 and 2022. As a legislator, He actively articulated issues of national importance touching on security, infrastructure, national development among others. As a Speaker at the National level, he presided over sessions of both the plenary and committees of the National Assembly including interpreting and ruling on all matters touching on procedure and in law.
Prior to his election as a lawmaker, Dr. Mariru served as the first Speaker of the Laikipia County Assembly between 2013 and 2017 under the new Constitution 2010. He oversaw the growth of the pioneer County Assembly from scratch to a robust institution which achieved its constitutional mandate. He is credited with presiding over the enactment of tens of laws, policies and oversight programs as well as the adoption of the first Strategic Plan of the Assembly.
Between 2011 and 2013, PS Mariru served as an International Governance Advisor at ActionAid International (AAI) where he provided technical oversight on governance programs for over 26 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and the United State of America (USA). He was awarded for exceptional contribution to the formulation of the AAI Strategic Plan working with over 2000 staff across 44 countries.
The PS has also served as a legal advisor of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) from the year 2005 to 2011. During his tenure, he was instrumental in conceptualizing and leading the NCCK and other organizations in Kenya to participate in the national constitution review process that birthed the Constitution 2010.
While at the Council, he provided legal advice and technical support to the General Secretary and the organs of the NCCK in resolving the 2007/2008 post-election violence. He additionally Spearheaded a major review process of the current NCCK constitution which fundamentally changed its mission and vision as well as the national and regional governance structures across the country.
The PS is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya having studied a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree at the University of Nairobi between 1999-2002 before proceeding to the Kenya School of Law (KSL) for a Diploma in Law (2002-2003). He was consequently admitted to the bar in 2003 and served as an Advocate with Kamotho Waiganjo Advocates until 2004.
Dr. Mariru holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Governance from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a double Master’s Degree of Science in Public Policy and Management and in Divinity from the University of London, UK and the Africa International University respectively. He is also admitted for a third Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development at the University of Sussex in the UK.
The PS has been accredited and certified by various professional bodies and institutions in the country and beyond for his exemplary leadership spanning for over two decades. In 2013, the International Commission of Jurists in Kenya accredited Dr. Mariru, for effective Devolution through Access to Information. In 2021, the National Defence College (NDC) certified him after successful completion of National Security and Strategy Course for the Leadership of the National Assembly of Kenya. Earlier this year (2022), he was certified by Intelligent Business Center in Morocco for Leadership and Governance in a Transitional Parliament. The Public Administration International (PAI) in Turkey additionally feted him for Corporate Governance & Policy-Making in 2022.
Dr. Patrick Mariru’s extensive experience in public policy, governance, and legislative leadership, coupled with his writings on civil engagement, national healing, and development, makes him a crucial asset in fortifying the Ministry of Defence’s strategic objectives. His deep understanding of national security issues and ability to manage complex programs are pivotal in ensuring that Kenya’s defence strategies are robust, efficient, and aligned with the nation’s broader development goals, positioning him as a key figure in safeguarding the country’s national interests.