President Ruto nominates Lydia Chelagat as Kenya’s next Data Commissioner

Chelagat's nomination was announced on Monday, November 9, by Government Spokesperson Charles Owino, who said the President had acted on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The nomination has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Chelagat was among 13 candidates shortlisted by the PSC for interviews for the position in October, following a recruitment exercise that attracted 152 applications.

She is expected to succeed Immaculate Kassait, Kenya's inaugural Data Commissioner, whose tenure recently ended after she was appointed in 2020.

Kassait oversaw the establishment and development of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), which is responsible for safeguarding personal information and enforcing the country's data protection laws.

The incoming commissioner will oversee the implementation and enforcement of the Data Protection Act, investigate complaints relating to violations of data protection rights and supervise how public and private entities handle personal information.

The position carries a single, non-renewable six-year term.

In a separate announcement, the Government Spokesperson confirmed that the respective boards of five state corporations had appointed new chief executives following competitive recruitment processes.

Waweru Karanja has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Privatization Authority, while Wakhungu Patrick Murunga will head the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa (RCGW).

Peninah Wangare Wahome has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), where she previously served in an acting capacity.

John Washington Agutu has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing Corporation (NHC).

Agutu previously served as the corporation's General Manager in charge of Estates. According to the corporation's 2022/2023 annual report, he is a registered valuer and estate agent with 24 years of experience in estate management, housing development, financing and valuations.

Meanwhile, Dr Janerose Omondi has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST).

Omondi previously served as Acting Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Privatization Commission, taking over from Dr Joseph Koskey in June 2025 after he completed his two terms.

Before her elevation, she had worked as the commission's transactions manager for more than seven years, participating in the structuring of privatisation deals.

The five appointments comprise three substantive chief executive positions and two acting appointments, according to the statement.