Dr Kidero has been in the cold after he lost the Homa Bay gubernatorial contest in the 2022 General Election.
President William Ruto on Friday, November 15 appointed former Nairobi Governor, Evans Kidero and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister, Wenwa Akinyi, to top jobs in his administration.
Kidero was appointed as Chairperson of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC). This, as captured in a Kenya Gazette Notice, means that the appointment of Hussein Tene Debasso stood revoked. Kidero will now oversee the government’s trade operations for three years, effective immediately.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6 (1) (a) of the State Corporations Act, 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- Evans Odhiambo Kidero (Dr) to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenya National Trading Corporation, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from November 15, 2024. The appointment *of Hussein Tene Debasso is revoked,” reads the gazette notice.
Dr Kidero has been in the cold after he lost the Homa Bay gubernatorial contest in the 2022 General Election. Last year, he was among a host of poll losers that President Ruto appointed to serve as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Trade before the court quashed the appointments.
President William Ruto with Evans Kidero at State House on March 13, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO
“Gratitude to H.E (President Ruto) and undertaking to deliver service with dedication and commitment to the Kenyan people/nation In order to add value and make a difference,” Dr Kidero said following his appointment.
The Kenya National Trading Corporation plays a critical role in stabilising consumer prices and managing the government’s procurement processes. With its expansive warehousing and logistics network, KNTC has long been seen as a cornerstone in ensuring the efficient distribution of goods.
Ruto’s decision to place Kidero at the top signals a calculated effort to revitalise the corporation’s operations amidst Kenya’s evolving economic challenges. As Nairobi’s first governor, he served from 2013 to 2017 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Despite his efforts to secure a second term, he lost to Jubilee Party’s Mike Sonko.
A further attempt at governance in Homa Bay County during the 2022 elections also ended in defeat, with ODM’s Gladys Wanga clinching the seat.
In other appointments, Mark Lomunokol to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sports Kenya, for a period of three years, with effect from November 15, 2024. Teobald Mukundi Wambugu was named as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Tana Water Works Development Agency and will serve from November 15, 2024, up to July 4, 2025. “The appointment of James Gathaka Wanyaga is revoked,” Ruto announced.
Ruto also appointed Dr Thuo Mathenge to be the Chairperson of the Board of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization and will serve for a period of three years, with effect from November 15, 2024. Peter Weru Kinyua’s appointment was revoked.
The President has also named Dr. Nuh Nassir Abdi as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre, for a period of three years, with effect from the 15th of November 2024, with the appointment of Victor Kioko Munyaka revoked.
Further, Ruto appointed Mark Kosgei Chesergon to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kerio Valley Development Authority. Anab Mohamed Gur, on his part, was appointed to be a member of the Nairobi Rivers Commission. The two will serve for three years with effect from November 15, 2024.
President William Ruto assents to the Appropriations Bill 2024 at State House, Nairobi on June 28, 2024. /PCS