Nation Media Group Boss Geoffrey Odundo Appointed Machakos University Chancellor

Dr Geoffrey Odundo, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Nation Media Group, has been appointed as the Chancellor of Machakos University. The appointment was announced through Gazette Notice No. 17695 dated November 13, 2026, under Section 38(1)(a) of the Universities Act. His tenure takes effect immediately, and he will serve for a five-year term. Dr Odundo takes over from Mr James Mworia, who was recently appointed as the National Infrastructure Fund’s founding CEO.

The appointment is part of a series of appointments and reappointments to public institutions announced by President William Ruto and Cabinet Secretaries. The appointments, published in the Kenya Gazette dated November 13, also affect several State corporations, regulatory authorities, and public institutions. Some officials received fresh three-year terms, while others were reappointed for similar periods. The appointments aim to strengthen the leadership and oversight of various public institutions.

Among those appointed is Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Benard Matanga Manani, who has been named a member of the Employment and Labour Relations Court Rules Committee for five years. He replaces Lady Justice Linnet Ndolo, whose appointment was revoked. The President also reappointed Lucas Mogoa as a member of the State Corporations Advisory Committee for three years. These appointments demonstrate the government's efforts to ensure continuity and effective governance in various institutions.

The National Treasury also made several appointments, including James Mwangi and Pamella Ager to the Public Private Partnership Committee for three years. Hassan Ahmednur Baricha was appointed to the Equalisation Fund Advisory Board. The Treasury also renewed the appointments of Joseph Tiampati ole Musuni and Prof Peter Kibet Koech as members of the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) Board for another three years. These appointments will help drive economic growth and development.

In the education sector, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba appointed Dr Paul Wanyeki to the Council of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority for three years. The Cabinet Secretary also reappointed Prof Mike Kuria, Everline Owoko, Jacqueline Mugo, and Collins Oyuu to the authority’s council for similar terms. These appointments aim to improve the quality of education and qualifications in Kenya.

Other reappointments include Willy Kenei to the Board of Directors of the Export Processing Zones Authority for three years and Flora Kiprop to the Uwezo Fund Oversight Board for another three years. At the Kenya Forest Service, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa reappointed Ahmed Muhamed as a member of the board for three years. These reappointments demonstrate the government's commitment to continuity and stability in various institutions.

The appointments also include Hassan Abdi Dukicha and Dr Nancy Tele, who were reappointed to the board of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute for three years. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also reappointed Baljit Sokh and Pius Chelimo as members of the Private Security Regulatory Authority Board for three years. These appointments will help drive growth and development in various sectors.

Key points

• Dr Geoffrey Odundo appointed Chancellor of Machakos University for a five-year term
• Appointments announced for various public institutions, including State corporations and regulatory authorities
• Reappointments made to ensure continuity and effective governance in various institutions