President William Ruto and his Cabinet Secretaries have announced a series of appointments to key government institutions, marking another chapter in his administration's efforts to streamline governance and reward political allies.
The appointments, detailed in the latest Kenya Gazette dated January 17, include significant changes to leadership in infrastructure, energy, education, and other critical sectors.
In the Kenya Roads Board, President Ruto replaced former Wajir West MP Ahmed Kolosh Mohamed with former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, who now assumes the role of non-executive Chairperson for a three-year term, effective January 17, 2025.
Mr Kolosh, in turn, was reassigned as the non-executive Chairperson of the Kenya Maritime Authority, where he succeeded Hamisi Mwaguya.
Mr Mwaguya has been appointed non-executive Chairperson of the Business Registration Service Board for a three-year term..
In another notable move, Raila Odinga’s ODM party Treasurer Timothy Bosire was appointed as the non-executive Chairperson of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), replacing Dr Manoj Shah.
This appointment has been widely viewed as part of the President's strategy to consolidate political alliances across the spectrum.
Millicent Omanga, a former nominated senator, has been named a member of the Board of Directors of Kenya Shipyards Limited.
Ms Omanga, who previously declined a role on the Nairobi Rivers Commission, will serve a three-year term starting January 14, 2025.
Further appointments include Edwin Sudi Wandabusi, who was named non-executive Chairperson of the Kenya Film Commission
Kenya Fishing Industries Corporation also welcomed new leadership with the appointment of Adhua Jimmy Kahindi as the non-executive Chairperson. Kahindi, a former Kilifi County Speaker, previously served as Chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Board.
In the energy sector, President Ruto appointed George Wanga as the non-executive Chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), revoking the appointment of Jackson Boma Ojwang.
The leadership of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics also saw a reshuffle, with former Assistant Director of the Central Bank of Kenya Daniel Mwirigi M’Amanja taking over as non-executive Chairperson for a three-year term.
Among the notable re-introductions is Mohamed Ibrahim Elmi, a Mwai Kibaki-era minister, who was named non-executive Chairperson of the National Livestock Development and Promotion Service. Elmi has previously advocated for long-term solutions to drought and food security challenges in Kenya.
In the education sector, President Ruto appointed Dr Bernard William Chitunga as Chancellor of the Co-operative University of Kenya for a five-year term beginning January 10, 2025.
Moi university leadership changes
Meanwhile, the Education Cabinet Secretary reshuffled the leadership at Moi University, replacing Dr Humphrey Kimani Njuguna and other council members with Prof Noah Midamba as Chairperson and four new council members, effective January 17, 2025. Moi university has in recent days been facing a myriad of challenges that is threatening to sink the academic giant.
And, hours after being sworn-in at State House on Friday January 17, Investment, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui has appointed Mr Allan Kosgey as the non-executive Chairperson of the Board of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute, for a period of three years, effective January 17, 2025.
His Agriculture counterpart Mutahi Kagwe also appointed Adhan Sheikh Abdullahi as a member of the Board of Directors, Kenya Sugar Board, for a period of three years, with effect from January 17, 2025.
CS Kagwe also appointed Dr Hassan Guyo Roba, Mr Erukudi Chris Ekustan, Aloise Loitomaga, Ubah Gedi Ibrahim and Justine Simayiai Rakita as members of the National Livestock Development and Promotion Service, for a period of three years, with effect from January 17, 2025.
