President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as Kenya’s next Data Commissioner.
President William Ruto has forwarded Chelagat’s name to the National Assembly following a competitive recruitment process.
President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as Kenya’s next Data Commissioner and submitted her name to the National Assembly. MPs will vet her suitability before deciding whether to approve the appointment.
Ruto acted on the Public Service Commission’s recommendation, in line with the Data Protection Act. Chelagat emerged from a competitive recruitment process that attracted 152 applications.
The commission shortlisted 13 candidates for interviews at its offices on Harambee Avenue in Nairobi. The shortlist also included Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo.
Data Commissioner succession and responsibilities
Before her nomination, Chelagat served as Corporation Secretary and Director of Legal Services at the Communications Authority of Kenya. If Parliament approves her, she will succeed Immaculate Kassait, whose six-year, non-renewable term has ended.
Kassait became Kenya’s first commissioner in November 2020, following the office’s establishment under the Data Protection Act, 2019. During her tenure, she helped build the institution responsible for enforcing privacy rights and overseeing personal information handling.
The commissioner leads the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, which oversees implementation of the law. The office also regulates how organisations collect, process, store and use personal data.
Its responsibilities include investigating complaints about breaches of data protection rights and inspecting public and private institutions. In addition, it monitors compliance with the law.
These duties cover personal information held by government agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications companies and private businesses. As Kenya expands digital services, the office plays an increasingly important role in protecting that information.
Five state corporations get new leadership
Meanwhile, Ruto’s announcement included leadership changes at five state corporations: three substantive chief executive appointments and two acting appointments. Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said the respective boards made the appointments following competitive recruitment processes.
Waweru Karanja will lead the Privatization Authority, which oversees the government’s privatisation programme. The authority also manages the sale or transfer of state-owned enterprises under the law.
Wakhungu Patrick Murunga takes charge of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa. The institution supports expertise, research and training in groundwater management.
Peninah Wangare Wahome will head the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, which combats doping through testing, education and enforcement. Separately, John Washington Agutu takes over as acting chief executive of the National Housing Corporation.
Dr Janerose Omondi will serve as acting chief executive of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust.
