Former aide to Raila Odinga Silas Chepkeres Jakakimba is one of the fresh faces joining the government in a fresh wave of appointments. This comes barely four months after President William Ruto joined forces with the opposition chief, Raila.
According to a Gazette notice published on Friday, November 29, Jakakimba, who worked for Raila for close to 19 years, was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the South Nyanza Sugar Company.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 (1) (e) of the State Corporations Act, as read together with Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development appoints Silas Jakakimba as a member of the Board of Directors of South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited, with effect from November 29, 2024,” the notice read.
He was bestowed the new responsibility by Agriculture CS Andrew Mwihia, and he is set to serve for three years. His appointment was swiftly followed by the revocation of Eric Osenya from the same position.
Jakakimba decamped from Raila’s Orange Democratic Party (ODM) to join Ruto’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in March 2024. He claimed that senior ODM officials were behind his resignation, adding that the lure of the opportunities and privileges in Kenya Kwanza was behind his subsequent move to join UDA. Jakakimba, however, has still maintained his staunch support for Raila.
Jakakimba was part of 16 other individuals appointed to various government positions. Acting Gender Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi appointed Stellah Nyambura Kangethe as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Museums of Kenya. Stella is set to serve for a period of three years.
Treasury CS John Mbadi made three appointments to his docket. Mbadi appointed Paul Orem and Anne Kamais as members of the Board of Directors of the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation.
In addition, he appointed James Agembe as a member of the Nairobi International Finance Centre Authority Board of Directors. The three appointments are set to serve for three years.
Defence CS Soipan Tuya made a total of six appointments to her ministry. Tuya selected Lillian Andeso, Frederick Musyoki, and Saitapau Lepapa as members of the Kenya Meat Commission Board.
Further, she appointed Munanie Mbatha, Mwango Kitsao, and Philip Osano as members of the board at the Kenya Space Agency. The six appointments will serve for a three-year tenure.
Information CS Margaret Nyambura appointed two individuals to spearhead activities in her docket. The CS appointed Samuel Onyango Okello as a member of the Board of Directors of the Konza Technopolis Development Authority.
Additionally, she selected Simon Sudi Ayomo as a board member of the Information and Communications Technology Authority. The two will serve for three years.
Davis Chirchir, Transport CS, commissioned Jackline Millicent Omiti to the Transport Licensing Appeals Board. Jackline is set to sit on the board for three years.
Meanwhile, Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano reappointed Dr Patrick Omondi Odour as the Director of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute. Odour is to be at the helm for three years.
Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya appointed Melissa Ngania to the Board of the Financial Inclusion Fund for three years. Melissa’s appointment signalled the revocation of Lawrence Kibet Chelimo in the same position.
Water CS Eric Muuga appointed Miriam Obura to the Board of Directors of the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency. She is set to serve for three years.
East African Community (EAC), the ASALs, and Regional Development CS Beatrice Asukul Moe selected Charles Mwalimu as a member of the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority Board for three years.
