President William Ruto has appointed Rita Kavashe as chancellor of Pwani University, Paul Russo as chancellor of Kibabii University, and Dr. Kevit Desai as chancellor of Kabianga University for five-year terms. The appointments appeared in a gazette notice on April 2. Russo, KCB CEO, received another state board role last week.
President William Ruto announced the appointment of Rita Kavashe, Paul Russo and Dr. Kevit Desai as chancellors of public universities through a gazette notice on April 2, 2026.
Rita Kavashe will lead Pwani University, Paul Russo Kibabii University, and Dr. Kevit Desai Kabianga University. Each will serve a five-year term, according to the President's announcement.
Russo's appointment follows his naming less than a week ago as an independent board member of the Ksh5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund (NIF). He serves as CEO of KCB.
Meanwhile, Information, Communications and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo appointed Naiyanoi Ntutu Ng'eno, widow of the late MP Johana Ng’eno, to the Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA) board for three years. Ng’eno died in a helicopter crash on February 28, 2026.
ICTA Board Chairperson Lily Ng'ok Kirui welcomed her: “Welcome to the Information and Communication Technology Authority Board, Naiyanoi Ntutu Ng'eno. I am looking forward to working closely with you. I have no doubt in your abilities and the contribution you will make to the team. Together, we will fulfil our collective mandate.”