President Ruto Nominates Lydia Chelagat as Kenya's Next Data Commissioner

President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat for appointment as Kenya's Data Commissioner, forwarding her name to the National Assembly for vetting and approval. The nomination was made on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission and in accordance with the Data Protection Act. This act provides the legal framework for the appointment of the holder of the office. Chelagat's nomination now places the responsibility on Parliament to scrutinise her suitability for the position.

The Data Commissioner heads the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), which oversees the implementation of the Data Protection Act, safeguards personal information, and regulates how organisations collect, process, store, and use personal data. Chelagat emerged from a competitive recruitment exercise conducted by the Public Service Commission, which attracted 152 applications for the position. The commission shortlisted 13 candidates for interviews held on October 5, 2026.

Before her nomination, Chelagat served as Corporation Secretary and Director of Legal Services at the Communications Authority of Kenya. She is expected to take over from Immaculate Kassait, Kenya's inaugural Data Commissioner, whose six-year, non-renewable tenure has come to an end. Kassait was appointed in November 2020 following the establishment of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner under the Data Protection Act, 2019.

The ODPC has increasingly become a critical institution as Kenya expands its digital services, with growing concerns over the protection of personal information held by government agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and private businesses. Under the law, the Data Commissioner serves a single six-year term and is not eligible for reappointment. The office holder is also responsible for investigating complaints relating to breaches of data protection rights.

President Ruto's announcement also included changes in the leadership of five state corporations, with three substantive chief executive appointments and two acting appointments. Waweru Karanja was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Privatization Authority, while Wakhungu Patrick Murunga was named Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa (RCGW).

Additionally, Peninah Wangare Wahome was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK). John Washington Agutu was appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing Corporation, while Dr Janerose Omondi was named Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST). The appointments to the five corporations were made by their respective boards following competitive recruitment processes.

The Data Commissioner position is crucial in ensuring the protection of personal data in Kenya. Key responsibilities include overseeing data protection, investigating complaints, and inspecting institutions to ensure compliance with the law. Lydia Chelagat's nomination marks a significant step in maintaining the country's data protection framework, and her suitability will be determined by the National Assembly.

Key points

• President Ruto nominates Lydia Chelagat as Kenya's Data Commissioner.
• Chelagat's nomination follows a competitive recruitment exercise by the Public Service Commission.
• The Data Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Data Protection Act and safeguarding personal information.