President William Ruto and his cabinet secretaries have announced a series of appointments and re-appointments to key state agencies. The notices were published in the Kenya Gazette on January 9, 2026. The changes affect sectors including trade, energy, and drug abuse prevention.
President William Ruto has made several appointments and re-appointments to key state agencies, as announced in the Kenya Gazette on January 9, 2026. In the trade sector, Ruto appointed Joseph Ogendo as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Trade Network Agency Board, effective from January 9, 2026, until May 25, 2026. He also appointed Dennis Mwirigi as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency board for a three-year term starting January 9, 2026.
In energy, Ruto reappointed Walter Nyambati as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Geothermal Development Company Board for three years from January 9, 2026. Additionally, Daniel Chemno was reappointed as Non-Executive Chairperson of the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union Board effective February 10, 2026.
A notable reappointment is that of Bishop Dr. Stephen Mairori to chair the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Board for three years beginning January 20, 2026. Mairori, Senior Pastor of African Inland Church (AIC) Milimani in Nairobi and Bishop of the Diaspora Area Church Council within the AIC, guided NACADA through policy and operational shifts emphasizing prevention, community engagement, and regulatory enforcement in his prior term. During that period, NACADA introduced a Community-Based Rehabilitation framework, established county-level Alcohol and Drug Control Committees, and forged partnerships with religious leaders for counseling and education. Alcohol controls included bans on online sales, stricter licensing for supermarkets and residential areas, and buffer zones around schools, churches, and hospitals.
In revenue matters, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi reappointed Hadi Sheikh Abdulahi, Richard Boro Ndung’u, and Lydia Cherono Rono as members of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Board for three years from January 13, 2026. In lands, Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome appointed Getrude Rapong’o, Mutua Mutisya, Silas Mbaabu Gichuru, and Dr. Fredrick Omondi Owino to the Physical Planners Registration Board for three years starting January 9, 2026.
These moves signal the government's efforts to bolster governance and service delivery in public institutions.