President William Ruto has announced a fresh round of appointments in state corporations, naming new board chairpersons to strengthen governance in key public institutions.
In a gazette notice dated August 15, 2025, the President appointed John Antira Ketora as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF). His term, effective immediately, will run for three years. Ketora is expected to steer the foundation, one of Kenya’s oldest educational publishing and scholarship institutions, as it continues to play a critical role in promoting literacy and supporting needy students.
At the Kenya National Shipping Line (KNSL), President Ruto re-appointed Levi Franklin Mghalu as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Mghalu, who has previously served in the same capacity, will now continue for another three-year term. His reappointment signals continuity at the state corporation, which is tasked with driving Kenya’s ambition of becoming a regional maritime hub.
In higher education, the President named James Onyango Owino as the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the Commission for University Education (CUE). Owino’s appointment also takes effect from August 15, 2025, for a three-year term. The CUE, the regulator of university education in the country, plays a vital role in accreditation, quality assurance, and policy guidance for institutions of higher learning. Owino’s leadership will be key in addressing emerging challenges in the sector, including university funding, research output, and maintaining academic standards.
The latest appointments reflect the administration’s ongoing effort to align leadership in state corporations with its broader governance agenda. President Ruto has consistently emphasized the need for accountability, efficiency, and innovation in parastatals, viewing them as strategic enablers of national development.
By placing experienced leaders at the helm of critical institutions, the government aims to boost performance and service delivery while ensuring stability in key sectors such as education, publishing, and maritime trade.
These appointments add to a series of recent changes the Head of State has made in state corporations as his administration reshapes boards to meet the demands of Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.
