President William Ruto has appointed former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi as the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) for a three-year term, marking his return to public service in a key leadership role.
According to a government notice obtained by Newshub.co.ke, the President also reappointed former Tigania East Member of Parliament Joseph Muthuri as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
Both appointments are for three-year terms, with Murungi’s appointment taking effect immediately from Friday, June 26, 2026, while Muthuri’s new term will officially begin on June 30, 2026.
As part of the changes, President Ruto revoked the appointment of Charles Mahinda, who had been serving as the Chairperson of the Competition Authority’s Board of Directors.
In the official gazette notice, the President stated that Kiraitu Murungi would assume the position of Non-Executive Chairperson of the Authority’s Board for a period of three years, effective June 26, 2026.
Murungi’s appointment marks another chapter in his long career in public service. The former Meru Governor has previously held several senior government positions, earning extensive experience in leadership and public administration.
Before becoming governor, he served in the Cabinet under former President Mwai Kibaki, where he was appointed Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs between 2003 and 2005.
He later served as Minister for Energy until 2013, playing a significant role in the country’s energy and legal reforms during that period.
In his new role at the Competition Authority of Kenya, Murungi will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to the Board of Directors.
The Authority is tasked with enforcing competition laws, promoting fair business practices, preventing anti-competitive behaviour, and investigating cases involving abuse of market dominance.
While the Authority’s management team oversees day-to-day operations, the board chairperson is expected to provide policy direction, strengthen corporate governance, and ensure the institution effectively delivers on its mandate.
Meanwhile, Joseph Muthuri will continue serving as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
The agency plays a vital role in protecting Kenya’s agricultural sector by ensuring plant health, certifying seeds, monitoring pests and diseases, and maintaining the quality and safety of planting materials used by farmers across the country.
His reappointment is expected to provide continuity in the oversight of the institution’s operations and strategic programmes.
In a separate appointment, President Ruto also renewed the term of Stanley Kiptis as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).
Kiptis will serve another three-year term beginning June 26, 2026, continuing to oversee the institution responsible for coordinating and regulating qualifications within Kenya’s education and training system.
The latest appointments form part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership across state corporations and public institutions.
By appointing and reappointing experienced leaders to strategic positions, the administration aims to improve governance, enhance accountability, and ensure government agencies continue delivering efficient services to Kenyans.
The changes also reflect the government’s broader agenda of maintaining stability and effective management within key public institutions.
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