President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as Kenya's Data Commissioner. Government Spokesperson Charles Owino announced the choice in a press release on Monday, The Star reported. Ruto acted on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission (PSC), the statement said. Her name has gone to the National Assembly, as the Data Protection Act requires.
The PSC received 152 applications for the post and shortlisted 13 candidates, Techweez reported. Chelagat previously served as Director of Legal Services and Corporation Secretary at the Communications Authority of Kenya. If MPs approve her, she will be the office's second head. She would succeed Immaculate Kassait, the first Data Commissioner. Kassait's single six-year term began in November 2020 and cannot be renewed.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner registers organisations that handle personal data and investigates complaints from the public. It can also issue enforcement notices and penalties of up to KSh 5 million or 1% of annual turnover, whichever is lower, according to Techweez. Commentators have questioned whether the office has enough staff, budget and authority to make large organisations take compliance seriously, the outlet said. The new commissioner will also face pressure to keep pace with digital ID, AI-driven profiling and cross-border data transfers, it added.
The nomination has already drawn criticism. Lawyer Ndengwa Njiru questioned Ruto's commitment to his "Usawa ni Sawa" slogan in a post on X on Tuesday, People Daily reported. No government response to his remarks has been reported.
The same statement listed five new chief executives at state corporations. Their boards hired them through competitive recruitment, The Star reported. Waweru Karanja will head the Privatization Authority. Peninah Wangare Wahome takes over at the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya. Wakhungu Patrick Murunga will lead the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa.
John Washington Agutu becomes acting CEO of the National Housing Corporation. Dr Janerose Omondi is acting CEO of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust. The release did not name the outgoing officials or say when the new chiefs take office. Nor did it give a date for Chelagat's parliamentary vetting.