What You Need to Know
President William Ruto has appointed new chancellors for three Kenyan universities: Rita Kavashe for Pwani University, Paul Russo for Kibabii University, and Dr. Kevit Desai for Kabianga University. These appointments are part of a broader government reshuffle, which includes various roles across public sectors and state boards.
Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto and several Cabinet Secretaries have made a series of appointments to public universities and key state boards as part of the latest changes in government.
In an announcement made on the gazette notice on Thursday, April 2, the Head of State appointed Rita Kavashe as Chancellor of Pwani University, KCB CEO Paul Russo as Chancellor of Kibabii University, and Dr Kevit Desai as Chancellor of Kabianga University.
According to Ruto, the three will serve at their various stations of posting for a five-year term.
Russo’s appointment comes less than a week after the President handed him another state role as an independent board member of the Ksh5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund (NIF).
At the ministerial level, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has appointed Geoffrey K. Maritim as Non-Executive Chairperson of the National Employment Authority (NEA) Board for a three-year term.
His Communication counterpart, William Kabogo, has appointed former MP Johana Ngeno’s 28-year old wife, Naiyanoi Ntutu, as a board member of the Information and Communications Technology Authority.
At the same time, CS Kabogo also handed Mwangi J. Nderitu a board membership role at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK).
Gender CS Hanna Wendot Cheptumo also made several changes at the Women Enterprise Fund Advisory Board, combining reappointments with new appointments. Yvonne Nalokitoo Tonkei was reappointed, while Wesley Kipchumba Keitany and Ebla Haji Aden were added as new members for three-year terms.
In the fight against female genital mutilation, Beatrice Mwarania Mburugu and Saphina Chelagat were appointed to the Anti-Female Genital Board for six years by the CS.
In the mining sector, CS Hassan Joho appointed Lucy Mirigo Micheni to the Mineral Rights Board, while his counterpart in Education, CS Julius Ogamba, appointed Njenga Benjamin Kahura as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kabete National Polytechnic Council and reappointed Honey Abdi Mohamud as a member of the same council.
Cornelius Kibet Some was also appointed to the Kipsoen National Polytechnic Council for a three-year term, while Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui reappointed Anthony Wainaina to the Special Economic Zones Authority board.
The Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) also saw several reappointments, including Teresa Bitutu Oroo, Willis Omondi Orowe, Hellen Makone, and others for a three-year term.
In the health sector, Dr David Kipchirchir Rotich was appointed to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital board, while Thomas Kipkosgei Cheruiyot was re-appointed to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) board.
In the judiciary, Chief Justice Martha Koome appointed Elias Ngugi Mwenda and Lily Monica Nafula to preside over cases relating to corruption and economic crimes.
The recent appointments by President Ruto reflect ongoing efforts to enhance governance in Kenya’s public institutions. Appointments to university chancellorships are significant as they influence academic leadership and institutional direction. Ruto’s administration has been focused on making strategic changes to improve efficiency and accountability in public service, particularly in education and health sectors. This reshuffle comes amid broader discussions on governance and public sector reforms in Kenya, aiming to address challenges in various sectors.
