JUST IN; President Ruto Commands Authority, Shakes Up His Gov’t With New Night Appointments, Details

President William Ruto has reshuffled leadership across several public institutions, naming a new nominee for Data Commissioner and clearing the way for fresh chief executives at five state corporations, according to a press release issued Monday night by the Office of the Government Spokesperson.

The statement, signed by Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong’o and shared on the official X account, has been circulated widely, with details also carried by State House Kenya and Hussein Mohamed.

At the top of the list, the President has nominated Ms. Lydia Sitienei Chelagat to serve as Data Commissioner.

He has acted on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission and used the constitutional powers vested in the Head of State and Government.

The nomination has now gone to the National Assembly, where lawmakers will weigh it as the Data Protection Act requires. Her appointment will therefore depend on parliamentary approval before she can take office.

The shake-up has also reached the management of state corporations. Their boards have completed competitive recruitment processes and have named new chief executives.

Mr. Waweru Karanja has been appointed to head the Privatization Authority, an agency that has long been central to the government’s asset sale plans.

Mr. Wakhungu Patrick Murunga has taken the helm at the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa.

In sports administration, Ms. Peninah Wangare Wahome has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya.

She will lead the body charged with keeping the country’s athletes compliant with global anti-doping standards.

Two other institutions have received acting leaders. Mr. John Washington Agutu has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing Corporation, while Dr. Janerose Omondi has been placed in charge of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust on an acting basis.

The press release does not say how long either acting term will last, nor when permanent officeholders might be confirmed.

The announcement has come at a time when the government has faced pressure to fill key vacancies and strengthen oversight of public bodies.

By naming a Data Commissioner nominee, the administration has also moved to address a position that carries real weight in the protection of personal information.

The appointees are expected to begin their duties soon, although the Data Commissioner nominee will first have to clear the National Assembly.

https://x.com/SpokespersonGoK/status/2119848655494529340?a=ABibU85YpSAJAcK8cpY&s=19

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