President William Ruto has announced a major leadership shake-up across five state corporations, appointing new chief executives to strengthen management and improve service delivery in the public sector. The changes, announced on Monday, November 9, 2026, include Waweru Karanja as Chief Executive Officer of the Privatization Authority, Wakhungu Patrick Murunga as head of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa (RCGW), and Peninah Wangare Wahome as the substantive CEO of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), where she had previously served in an acting capacity.
At the National Housing Corporation (NHC), John Washington Agutu has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer. Agutu previously served as the corporation's General Manager in charge of Estates and brings 24 years of experience in estate management, housing development, financing and property valuation. Meanwhile, Dr Janerose Omondi has been appointed Acting CEO of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST). She previously served as Acting Executive Director and CEO of the Privatization Commission, where she also worked as a transactions manager for more than seven years.
In a separate appointment, President Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as Kenya's next Data Commissioner, following a recommendation by the Public Service Commission. Chelagat, who previously served as Director of Legal Services at the Communications Authority of Kenya, is expected to succeed Immaculate Kassait, whose tenure ends this month. Her nomination has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration under the Data Protection Act. If approved, she will serve a single, non-renewable six-year term, overseeing the protection of personal information and enforcement of data privacy regulations.
According to Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong’o, the five chief executive appointments were made by the respective boards following competitive recruitment processes. The changes affect critical sectors, including privatisation, housing, sports integrity, groundwater research and entrepreneurship savings.
The appointments come as the government continues efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve accountability and enhance the delivery of services to Kenyans. Parliamentary consideration of Chelagat's nomination will provide an opportunity to assess her suitability for the influential data protection office, particularly as Kenya's digital economy continues to expand.