President William Ruto has made significant changes in the leadership of several key parastatal boards, particularly in the health sector, through appointments announced in a gazette notice dated July 25, 2025.
Among the notable changes, Dr Abbas Gullet, the former Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross Society, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Board of Directors. He replaces Dr Samier Muravvej, whose appointment was revoked. Dr Muravvej has now been reassigned as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, effective August 5, 2025.
Also in the health sector, Fredrick Namenya Were has been named the new Chairperson of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council for a three-year term, taking over from Stanley Khainga. Meanwhile, Paul Ndung’u Kariuki has been appointed as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya National Public Health Institute, replacing David Ndegwa Nyokabi.
The appointments were made under various legal provisions, including the State Corporations Act and the Interpretation and General Provisions Act.
In addition to the President’s appointments, several Cabinet Secretaries also made new appointments and reappointments across various sectors. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya appointed Joseph Maina Njogu to the board of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya. Health CS Aden Duale appointed Dr Dabar Abdi Maalim as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Nursing Council of Kenya Board.
In the media sector, ICT and Digital Economy CS William Kabogo reappointed Joseph Maina Muiruri as the Chairperson of the Media Council of Kenya. Susan Karago, Timothy Wanyonyi Chetambe, and Tabitha Mutemi were also reappointed as members of the council.
Education CS Julius Ogamba reappointed Cyrus Gituai as the Chairperson of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui retained Dorothy Chepkoech on the Export Processing Zones Authority board.
In agriculture, CS Mutahi Kagwe appointed Jonah Marindich to the National Cereals and Produce Board, while Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku and Water CS Eric Muuga made further appointments to enhance governance in their respective dockets.
