President William Ruto announced a series of senior appointments across key governance organs of the Kenyan government, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to bolstering leadership and governance structures. Among the notable changes was the appointment of Dr. Nyaoma to the position of Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), a move that signals confidence in his extensive experience and deep understanding of Kenya’s financial landscape.
Dr. Nyaoma, who currently serves as the Director of the Bank Supervision Department at CBK, has a distinguished 36-year career in central banking. Over the years, he has held key positions that have contributed to strengthening Kenya’s financial stability. His resume includes serving as Director of Financial Markets Development, Director of Banking Services, and Senior Manager of the National Payment Services Division. This wealth of experience positions him well to support the Governor of CBK in overseeing the country’s monetary policy and ensuring the stability of the financial system. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to further enhance CBK’s leadership as it navigates the increasingly complex financial and economic environment in Kenya.
In his announcement, President Ruto emphasized that the appointments within the Executive Office of the President were made with the aim of augmenting the personnel supporting his office in executing the constitutional mandate. The President’s statement underlined that the appointments followed the recommendations of the Public Service Commission and complied with the laws governing each public office. These changes are intended to ensure that the executive branch is equipped with the right personnel to deliver on the government’s ambitious agenda.
In addition to Nyaoma’s appointment at CBK, the President also announced several key positions within his office and other state agencies. Among the notable appointments was Adams Oloo, who was named Advisor of Strategy and Communication in the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. Oloo’s role is expected to play a crucial part in shaping the government’s communication strategies, particularly in relation to economic policies and initiatives.
Silvester Okumu Kasuku was appointed as the Advisor of Governance, bringing a wealth of experience in public administration and governance. Kasuku will work to ensure that governance issues are addressed effectively, especially in the wake of Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the public sector.
The security sector also saw significant appointments, with Maj. (Rtd) Ali Mahat Somane named as the Advisor on Security Affairs in the Office of the National Security Advisor. Somane, with his military background, is poised to bring valuable insights into national security matters, an area of increasing concern in a region marked by volatility and complex security challenges.
The President also made several appointments outside the Executive Office of the President. Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria was appointed as the chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Board. Wa Iria’s experience as a governor and his work on public procurement policies are expected to play a key role in ensuring that Kenya’s public procurement systems are efficient and transparent.
Politician Peter Kenneth, known for his experience in both public service and the private sector, was appointed as the chairperson of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) National Standards Council. This role is crucial in ensuring that Kenya maintains high standards in product quality, health, and safety, both for local and international markets.
The President also appointed Bruno Obodha as the Managing Director of the East African Portland Cement Company PLC (EAPCC). Obodha’s leadership will be pivotal as EAPCC looks to regain its competitive edge in the regional cement industry, a sector that plays a vital role in Kenya’s construction and infrastructure development.
These appointments, according to President Ruto, were made with a view to ensuring that Kenya’s governance structures are robust and capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing world. With a blend of experienced individuals and fresh leadership, the appointments are expected to drive the country’s development agenda forward, particularly in critical areas such as financial stability, governance, national security, and economic growth.