Ruto names new heads for state agencies, universities in fresh round of appointments

President William Ruto has named new leaders for state agencies, public universities and regulatory bodies, with several appointments made by Cabinet Secretaries, in a fresh round published in a Gazette notice dated October 16, 2026. They include the reappointment of Dr Simon Gicharu as chairperson of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for another three years.

The notice also covers the Nairobi Rivers Commission, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority and two public university councils. Separately, a 40-member committee has been named to coordinate preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Education appointments

Ruto reappointed Gicharu as the non-executive chairperson of KICD for a three-year term effective October 16, 2026. KICD designs and develops the learning content used in schools.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba appointed Professor Peter Wanyande as non-executive chairperson of the Council of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) for three years. Ogamba also named Geoffrey Nafukho Omulayi to the Moi University Council for a similar term.

Other agencies

Former Principal Secretary Nelson Marwa has been appointed chairperson of the Nairobi Rivers Commission for three years, replacing Bishop Margaret Wanjiru.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui appointed Esther Njeri Ngari as chief executive officer of KEBS, which is responsible for developing standards and assuring product quality.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reappointed Nelson Dzuya as a member of the Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority for another three-year term. The authority oversees the regulation of public benefit organisations, including civil society groups.

Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has named a 40-member Local Organising Committee to coordinate preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Antony Emmanuel Inzahuli Lung'aho will serve as head of the secretariat.

According to the report, most of the members previously served on the advisory team for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which the three countries also hosted jointly.