Ruto makes appointments across key state and public institutions

President William Ruto/PCS

President William Ruto has made a series of appointments to several state and public institutions, filling leadership positions in critical government bodies across sectors, including forestry, sports, anti-doping, tourism, arbitration, warehouse management, and wildlife conservation.

The appointments were announced in multiple gazette notices dated February 6, 2026.

In a notable move, the President appointed Gen. Walter Raria Koipaton as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI).

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6 (1) (a) of the State Corporations Act and section 16 (2) and Para 2 of the Fourth Schedule of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint LT. GEN. (RTD.) Walter Raria Koipaton to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 6th February, 2026," reads the notice.

KEFRI plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable forestry research, policy guidance, and conservation practices in Kenya.

George Kithi was named Chairperson of the Sports and Arts Fund Board, a position governed by the Public Finance Management (Sports and Arts Fund) Regulations. The board oversees the allocation of resources for sports and cultural initiatives, aiming to nurture talent and enhance Kenya’s presence nationally and internationally.

Maj. Gen. Alphazard Muthuri Kiugu was appointed Chairperson of the Anti-Doping Agency, revoking the previous appointment gazetted in 2024. The agency is responsible for enforcing anti-doping regulations and ensuring fair play in sports.

In the tourism sector, Mahmud Jan Mohamed was appointed Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Utalii College Council, replacing a prior 2025 appointment. Utalii College trains professionals for Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry, a key economic driver.

Other appointments include Rina Chatrath as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration Board, and Patrick Mukundi Mbogo as Chairperson of the Warehouse Receipt System Council, leading to the revocation of Felicity Nkirote Biriri’s previous appointment.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 8 (2) (a) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Joseph Lagat to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Wildlife Service Board, for a period of three (3) years," the gazette notice further notes.

Each appointment is set for a three-year term starting February 6, 2026.