President William Ruto has named new leaders for five state agencies.
Lydia Sitienei Chelagat awaits parliamentary consideration as Ruto names leaders for five state agencies, including two acting chief executives.
President William Ruto has announced state agency appointments affecting five institutions and nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as Data Commissioner. Her name is now before the National Assembly for consideration to succeed Immaculate Kassait.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino announced the changes in a statement on November 9. He said the President nominated Chelagat following a recommendation from the Public Service Commission and under his constitutional powers.
Chelagat has been serving as Director of Legal Services and Corporation Secretary at the Communications Authority of Kenya.
State agency appointments bring changes at Privatisation Authority
Ruto appointed Waweru Karanja as Chief Executive Officer of the Privatisation Authority. Karanja takes over from Dr Janerose Omondi, who had led the institution in an acting capacity.
Omondi assumed that role in June 2025 after Dr Joseph Koskey completed his two terms. Before taking the helm, she spent more than seven years as the commission’s transactions manager, leading various privatisation deals.
Meanwhile, the President appointed Omondi as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust, known as KNEST. The changes therefore move her from the Privatisation Authority’s interim leadership to another acting chief executive role.
New leadership at anti-doping and housing agencies
At the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, Ruto confirmed Peninah Wangare Wahome as Chief Executive Officer. She had already been serving in the position in an acting capacity.
John Washington Agutu also moves into a new role as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing Corporation. He previously served as its General Manager in charge of Estates.
The corporation’s 2022/2023 annual report describes Agutu as a registered valuer and estate agent. It credits him with 24 years of experience in estate management, housing development, financing and valuations.
Ruto also named Wakhungu Patrick Murunga as CEO of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa. Among the five agency chief executives, only Agutu and Omondi will serve in an acting capacity.
