Stanley Kamanguya resumed his role as Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Authority on Friday, July 26, after the court overturned a decision by the Authority’s Board to remove him earlier this month. The court also nullified the appointment of Zilpher Owiti, who had been named acting CEO following Kamanguya’s ouster on July 1.
Kamanguya’s return comes amid an ongoing legal battle over the legitimacy of his reappointment. In a statement upon resuming office, he called for unity and emphasized the need to follow lawful procedures, urging leaders to avoid politicizing the matter.
“What we are hoping for is that all of us are subject to the law. I am a committed and diligent public servant, and I believe the same of the board,” he said. “We should work together for the betterment of this organization and our citizens, ensuring economic empowerment through inclusive digital transformation.”
The controversy stems from a March 6, 2025 resolution recommending Kamanguya’s reappointment for a new term starting August 8, 2025. However, on July 1, the Board revoked the resolution, citing multiple procedural irregularities. Among the issues raised were the late submission of Kamanguya’s renewal application, irregular convening of the March 6 meeting, and the preparation of the renewal proposal by Kamanguya himself contrary to guidelines under the Mwongozo Code.
The Board claimed the meeting where his reappointment was approved had been unlawfully reconvened and that the endorsement was signed by a sessional chairperson without proper authority. The resolution, they argued, lacked integrity and breached public service protocols.
In response, Kamanguya filed a High Court petition arguing that the Board’s actions were unlawful and amounted to interference with due process. He maintained that his reappointment had already received the approval of the Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy.
While the court has temporarily reinstated Kamanguya, the legal process is ongoing. He has called for cooperation from all parties to ensure the ICT Authority continues to advance Kenya’s digital agenda without further disruption.
