President William Ruto on Friday appointed Paul Wachana to head the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) as chairperson.
In a gazzette notice, it was communicated that Wachana who is currently a university don at the Chandaria School of Business, United States International University-Africa(USIU) will lead KIPPRA for the next 3 years, according to the gazzette notice.
‘’I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint— Paul Wachana (Prof.) to be the Chairperson of the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 18th October, 2024,’’ the notice read in part.
Wachana is expected to lead key policy formulations at KIPPRA and will be instrumental in crafting key research policies, given his wealth of experience.
Wachana's Curriculum Vitae (CV) shows he boasts of experience in economic analysis and applied microeconomics having taught across various business schools in the country.
‘’Dr. Paul Wachana has experience and expertise in econometric analysis and applied microeconomics, focusing on agribusiness management, infrastructure development, urban economics, land use, transportation and safety analysis,’’ his CV reads in part.
‘’He specializes in project planning, implementation, management and evaluation, benefit-cost analysis of public policy choices, demand modeling/analysis, and projection and estimation of economic trends and effects, as well as, transit operations and performance analysis,’’
The new KIPPRA chairperson has also previously taught at the Presbyterian University of Eastern Africa, Portland State University-USA and also at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).
Wachana will succeed Benson Ateng’ who is widely credited with helping the institution achieve its mandate of delivering high-quality research and analysis to inform policymakers and the public on a range of socio-economic issues.
In his new role, Wachana will be assisted by a team of 12 other board members.
Ruto has over the past months made various state appointments as he seeks to reorganize his government.
The new appointments continue at a time when he is also likely to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary for Interior if Kithure Kindiki is sworn in as the Deputy President following the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.
