In a move aimed at reshaping key leadership in the agricultural and water sectors, President William Ruto has appointed Nyeri-based businessman Thuo Mathenge as the new Chairman of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Board.
The appointment, which takes effect from Friday, November 15, 2024, was made official through a gazette notice issued on the same day.
Mathenge, a seasoned entrepreneur and prominent business leader from Nyeri County, will take over the reins at KALRO for a period of three years.
His appointment is seen as a strategic decision by President Ruto, as the government seeks to boost agricultural research and innovation to enhance Kenya’s agricultural productivity.
Mathenge’s vast experience in business and leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the organization, which plays a critical role in driving agricultural research and technology in Kenya.
At the same time, the President revoked the appointment of Peter Weru Kinyua, the former Chairman of KALRO, with immediate effect. The move aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure that key positions in parastatals and state agencies are filled with individuals who can drive the government’s vision of transforming Kenya’s agricultural sector.
” In Exercise of the powers conferred by section 6 (1) (a) of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act, 2013 as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint- THUO MATHENGE (DR.) to be the Chairperson of the Board of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 15th November, 2024. The appointment of Peter Weru Kinyua is revoked,” The Gazette notice states.
Changes in Tana Water Works Development Agency
In a separate but equally significant change, President Ruto has also made a shift in leadership at the Tana Water Works Development Agency Board. The appointment of James Wanyaga Gathaka as the Chairman of the board has been revoked, and he has been replaced by Teobald Mukundi Wambugu, who now takes over as the new chairman.
These changes in leadership come at a time when the government is focused on improving water resource management and agricultural research to boost the livelihoods of Kenyans, particularly in the rural and agricultural areas. The new appointments signal President Ruto’s continued effort to align strategic leadership with national development priorities, particularly in the agricultural and water sectors.
The gazette notice detailing the appointments and revocations highlighted the President’s confidence in the new appointees to drive reforms and ensure effective governance within their respective organizations.
Both appointments are expected to help enhance the efficiency and impact of the agencies in achieving their mandates, particularly in a country where agriculture and water management are central to the economy and livelihoods of millions.
As Kenya grapples with the challenges of climate change, food security, and water scarcity, the new leadership at KALRO and the Tana Water Works Development Agency is expected to bring much-needed innovation and leadership to tackle these issues head-on.
With these appointments, President Ruto is expected to further solidify his administration’s commitment to improving Kenya’s agricultural and water sectors while placing an emphasis on efficient governance.
