President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as the next Data Commissioner, alongside appointing five chief executive officers to various state corporations.

In a press release issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong’o said the nomination of Chelagat was made following a recommendation by the Public Service Commission.

The nomination, which was made in exercise of the constitutional prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration in line with the Data Protection Act, Cap 411C of the Laws of Kenya.

The announcement also confirmed new leadership appointments across five state corporations following competitive recruitment processes conducted by their respective boards.

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).

Meanwhile, Peninah Wangare Wahome has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).

At the National Housing Corporation, John Washington Agutu has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer, while Dr Janerose Omondi will serve in an acting capacity as the head of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST).

The appointments come as the government continues to make changes in the leadership of public institutions, with the latest announcement covering key agencies involved in data protection, privatisation, groundwater research, sports integrity, housing and entrepreneurship financing.

While the five state corporation appointments have been made by their respective boards following competitive recruitment, Chelagat’s nomination as Data Commissioner remains subject to consideration by the National Assembly.