NAIROBI, Jan 5 (Reuters) – Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Friday he will retain Henry Rotich as his finance minister.

Trained as an economist, Rotich worked with the central bank and the ministry of finance, before his initial appointment to the role in 2013. He has presided over steady economic growth but he has been criticised for ramping up the national debt.

The president was sworn in for a second and final term last November, three months after the Supreme Court invalidated his initial re-election and ordered a re-run.

Kenyatta said he would also retain five other cabinet ministers, including the transport minister and the energy minister, while nominating three newcomers who have to be vetted by parliament.

He said he will fill the remaining slots, up to a maximum of 22, in the next few weeks.