Ruto appoints Catherine Mutua to lead Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority

President William Ruto/FILE

President William Ruto has appointed Catherine Kagwiria Mutua as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) board.

The appointment, which takes effect from March 19, 2026, is for a three-year term.

The announcement was made under the powers conferred by section 4 (1) (a) of the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority Act, Cap. 443.

"...I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint— CATHERINE KAGWIRIA MUTUA (DR.) to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority, for a period of three (3) years."

Mutua will now oversee the board responsible for the development and management of the Tana and Athi rivers, which are crucial for agriculture, energy, and domestic water supply.

Her role as Non-Executive Chairperson focuses on strategic oversight, policy guidance, and ensuring the authority meets its mandate efficiently.

In related governance news, Mombasa County Governor Abdullswamad Sharif Nassir has appointed Halima Abdi Hashi as chairperson of the Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (MOWASSCO).

The appointment took effect on February 24, 2026, and will run for three years.

The Mombasa County appointments were made under Section 11(1)(a) of the Mombasa County Water and Sewerage Services Act, 2016, as read together with Section 79 of the Water Act, 2016, and the WASREB Corporate Governance Standards for the Water Services Sector, 2024.

Governor Nassir emphasised that the leadership role is key to strengthening corporate governance in the county’s water and sanitation sector.

The MOWASSCO board provides policy direction and supervision for water and sanitation services in the coastal city, which is facing growing demands for a safe and reliable water supply.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has gazetted a vacancy in Emurua Dikirr Constituency following the death of Joshua Kipyegon Ng’eno on February 28, 2026.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, issued the notification on March 10, 2026, in line with Articles 101 (4) (a) and 103 (1) (a) of the Constitution and Section 16 (3) of the Elections Act, 2011.

“The seat of the Member of the National Assembly for Emurua Dikirr Constituency…has become vacant as a result of the death of Hon. Joshua Kipyegon Ng’eno,” the notice read.

A by-election will be required to fill the position in accordance with the law.

These recent appointments and notifications reflect ongoing efforts by national and county governments to strengthen leadership and governance in critical public institutions. They come at a time when water management, service delivery, and representation remain high on Kenya’s development agenda.