President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat for appointment as Kenya's Data Commissioner in a series of appointments to state corporations announced by the Government on Monday, November 9, 2026.
According to a press release issued by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, the nomination was made following a recommendation by the Public Service Commission and in exercise of the President's constitutional prerogative as Head of State and Government.
Chelagat's nomination has been transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration, in accordance with the legal requirements set out under the Data Protection Act, Cap 411C of the Laws of Kenya.
Her appointment will therefore be subject to the parliamentary consideration process before she can formally assume office.
The Data Commissioner heads the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), which is responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of Kenya's data protection framework.
The office plays a key role in safeguarding personal information, regulating how organisations collect, process and store personal data, and ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act.
In a separate announcement, the Government confirmed the appointment of five individuals to leadership positions in various state corporations following competitive recruitment processes conducted by the respective boards.
Waweru Karanja has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Privatisation Authority.
The authority is responsible for overseeing the implementation of Kenya's privatisation programme, including the management and coordination of government efforts to transfer ownership or management of selected state-owned enterprises to private investors.
Patrick Murunga Wakhungu has also been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa (RCGW).
The regional institution focuses on strengthening knowledge, training and research in groundwater resources, an important area for water security and sustainable management of underground water resources across Eastern Africa.
Meanwhile, Peninah Wangare Wahome has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).
ADAK is mandated to coordinate the fight against doping in sports through testing, education, investigations and enforcement of anti-doping regulations. The agency also works with sports organisations and athletes to promote clean and fair competition.
The Government further announced two acting appointments in the state corporations sector.
John Washington Agutu has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing Corporation (NHC), which is involved in the development and promotion of affordable housing in Kenya.
Dr. Janerose Omondi has similarly been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST).
The institution is associated with efforts to promote savings and financial inclusion among entrepreneurs, supporting their capacity to build financial resilience and access resources for business development.
The five chief executive appointments were made by the respective boards of the institutions following competitive recruitment processes.
The Government did not disclose the duration of the acting appointments at the National Housing Corporation and KNEST or provide further details on the transition arrangements.
The announcements were signed by Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong'o, who said the appointments had been undertaken in accordance with the relevant legal and institutional procedures.
The latest changes form part of leadership appointments across government institutions, with the new executives expected to oversee the implementation of their respective organisations' mandates.
The appointments take effect in their respective capacities, while Chelagat's nomination as Data Commissioner awaits consideration by the National Assembly.
