President William Ruto has announced a new round of appointments affecting several key government institutions, in a move aimed at strengthening leadership, improving efficiency, and supporting the delivery of services across different sectors.
The appointments, which touch on areas such as wildlife conservation, forestry research, sports integrity, tourism training, and trade regulation, were published through a gazette notice dated Friday, February 6.
Among those appointed is former Eldoret East Member of Parliament Joseph Lagat, who has been named the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board. Lagat will serve in this position for a period of three years, in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013.
As board chairperson, he is expected to provide leadership and strategic oversight to the institution as it continues to manage wildlife conservation, protect national parks and reserves, and promote sustainable tourism across the country.
The gazette notice indicated that the appointment was made under powers granted to the President by law, confirming Lagat’s role in guiding policy direction and supporting KWS management in fulfilling its mandate.
His appointment comes at a time when conservation efforts remain a key focus for the government, especially in balancing environmental protection with tourism growth and community engagement.
In the same notice, President Ruto appointed Lieutenant General Walter Raria Koipaton as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) for a three-year term.
In his new role, Raria is expected to oversee the institute’s strategic direction as it continues to conduct research and develop technologies aimed at promoting sustainable forest management in Kenya.
KEFRI plays a significant role in supporting the government’s environmental agenda, including the national target of achieving 30 percent tree cover.
Raria’s responsibilities will also include strengthening collaboration between KEFRI and other stakeholders such as government agencies, county governments, research institutions, and development partners.
These partnerships are expected to enhance research funding, innovation, and the implementation of environmental conservation programs across the country.
Additionally, Major General Alphazard Muthuri Kiugu has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya for a period of three years, with his appointment taking effect immediately.
His role will involve overseeing the agency’s operations and ensuring that Kenya maintains compliance with international anti-doping standards.
The agency is tasked with implementing the World Anti-Doping Code, enforcing regulations, and safeguarding the integrity of sports by ensuring athletes compete fairly and within established rules.
The President also named Mahmud Jan Mohamed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Council of the Kenya Utalii College.
The appointment is expected to strengthen leadership at the institution, which plays a critical role in training professionals for Kenya’s hospitality and tourism sector.
The college remains a key contributor to the country’s tourism industry by equipping students with skills required in hotel management, tourism services, and related fields.
Further, Rina Chatrath was appointed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration Board for a three-year term.
The centre plays an important role in providing alternative dispute resolution services, particularly in commercial and international business disputes, helping to position Kenya as a regional hub for arbitration and investment-friendly legal processes.
In another appointment aimed at improving trade systems and agricultural value chains, President Ruto named Patrick Mukundi Mbogo as the Chairperson of the Warehouse Receipt System Council.
The council is responsible for regulating warehouse licensing and ensuring proper storage systems for agricultural produce.
The appointment is expected to support transparency in commodity trading, protect farmers’ interests, and improve access to financing through structured warehouse receipt systems.
The latest appointments reflect ongoing efforts by the government to reorganize leadership in state institutions while strengthening governance, accountability, and performance in sectors considered important for economic growth and national development.
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