What You Need to Know
President William Samoei Ruto has reappointed four non-executive chairpersons to key state corporations, effective April 2026. This move aims to maintain continuity in leadership at institutions crucial for energy, trade, and industrial growth, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ongoing development programs.
Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Samoei Ruto has reappointed four non-executive chairpersons to key state corporations.
The reappointments were made through a gazette notice dated April 17, 2026.
The move reinforces continuity at institutions central to energy, trade, water development, and industrial growth.
At the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation, Godfrey Lemiso has been reappointed as non-executive chairperson, effective April 20, 2026, under the Energy Act.
The agency plays a key role in expanding electricity access, particularly in rural areas, as part of the country’s broader energy transition agenda.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 (1) (a) of the Ewaso Ng’iro South River Basin Development Authority Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, re-appoint Samuel Sakita Kutata as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Ewaso Ng’iro South River Basin Development Authority, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 17th April, 2026,” the notice further reads.
The authority promotes sustainable socio-economic development, manages natural resources, and improves livelihoods in the Ewaso Ng’iro South Basin and surrounding catchment areas
Meanwhile, in the trade and industrial sector, Richard Cheruiyot will continue serving as chairperson of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA).
His tenure will run for another three years beginning April 20, 2026.
The Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) is a state corporation mandated to promote, regulate, and facilitate export-oriented investment in Kenya through designated export processing zones and special economic frameworks.
Its core mandate is to drive industrialisation by attracting both local and foreign investors into manufacturing and service industries geared toward export markets.
EPZA provides the regulatory and operational framework for enterprises operating within Export Processing Zones (EPZs), ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, investment guidelines, and performance standards.
Adan Mohammed has likewise been reappointed as chairperson of the Kenya Leather Development Council.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by paragraph 4 (1) (a) of the Kenya Leather Development Council Order, 2011, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-inChief of the Defence Forces, re-appoint— Adan Mohammed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of the Kenya Leather Development Council, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 17th April, 2026,” it states.
The council is tasked with strengthening the leather value chain, including production, processing, and export development.
Under Kenyan law, non-executive chairpersons of state corporations are appointed by the President for fixed terms, which may be renewed based on policy direction and performance considerations. The latest gazette notices formalise the extension of tenure for all four officials.
The changes take effect in April 2026, ensuring uninterrupted leadership at the respective agencies as they continue implementing ongoing government programmes
In Kenya, the appointment of non-executive chairpersons for state corporations is a presidential prerogative, aimed at ensuring effective governance and oversight. These positions are critical as they influence the strategic direction of various sectors, including energy and trade, which are vital for the country’s economic growth and development. The recent reappointments reflect a strategy to maintain stability and continuity in leadership during a period of significant national development initiatives.
