The government has announced fresh appointments to key institutions, with the education sector receiving new members to the university placement agency, a university college council and the task team addressing unrest in schools.
The appointments, effective October 30, 2026, were made by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba as part of a wider government exercise to strengthen leadership and governance across State agencies.
Among the appointments, Ogamba named Gideon John Kamau Maina to the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) Board for a three-year term.
KUCCPS is a critical institution in Kenya's education system, coordinating the placement of eligible students into universities, colleges and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
The appointment comes as the country implements Competency-Based Education (CBE) and prepares for the transition of learners into senior school and subsequently into higher education and vocational training.
The placement agency is expected to play a central role in matching learners' career interests, abilities and academic performance with available training opportunities.
Its responsibilities are also becoming increasingly important as the government seeks to strengthen technical training, expand access to university education and align courses with emerging employment opportunities.
Five appointed to Kerio Valley University College Council
In a separate appointment, Ogamba named five members to the Kerio Valley University College Council.
They are Judson Obiria Nyabuto, Simon Ole Masi, Netty Chemutai, Mary Amboka and Japheth Kibet Sugut.
The council is expected to provide institutional oversight, guide strategic planning and strengthen governance at the university college.
University councils play an important role in overseeing institutional management, accountability, resource utilisation and the implementation of academic and development programmes.
Government expands school unrest task team
The Education CS also appointed three additional members to the Multi-Stakeholder Task Team on Unrest in Schools.
The new members are Abdirashid Mohamed Hussein, David Muchunguh and Prof Joseph Githui Kabiru.
Ogamba further appointed Evelyn Owoko, Catherine Matara, Dr Fred Odhiambo and Dr Wilfred Marube as joint secretaries.
The appointments were made pursuant to Gazette Notice No. 16733 of 2026 and under the powers provided by the Basic Education Act.
The task team is expected to contribute to government efforts to address unrest in learning institutions, an issue that has raised concerns over student discipline, school safety, administration and the protection of public property.
Its work is expected to support the development of interventions addressing the underlying causes of school unrest while strengthening cooperation among teachers, school administrators, parents, learners and government agencies.
The expansion of the team comes amid growing calls for sustainable solutions to indiscipline and violence in schools rather than relying solely on punitive measures after incidents occur.
Ndwiga takes over Coffee Board leadership
Beyond education, President William Ruto appointed former Cabinet Minister and Embu Senator Njeru Peter Ndwiga as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Coffee Board of Kenya for a three-year term beginning October 30, 2026.
Ndwiga served as Cabinet Minister for Cooperative Development and Marketing between 2002 and 2007 under former President Mwai Kibaki.
He later represented Embu County in the Senate from 2017 to 2022, where he chaired the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
Former Bura MP Ali Wario was also appointed Non-Executive Chairperson of the National Council for Population and Development for three years. He previously served as an Assistant Minister for Home Affairs.
Other appointments included changes at the Insurance Institute of Kenya Council, National Heroes Council, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Board of Directors and Kerio Valley Development Authority.
The latest appointments place renewed responsibility on education institutions and oversight teams to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and address challenges affecting learners and institutions.
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