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President William Ruto has appointed former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC).

In a gazette notice dated Friday, November 15, 2024, Kidero will take over from Hussein Tene Debasso whose appointment was revoked.

In his role, he is expected to oversee the government’s trade operations for three years.

“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 15th November 2024. The appointment of Hussein Tene Debasso is revoked,” the Gazette notice reads in parts.

Other appointments

Ruto also appointed Thuo Mathenge as Chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, replacing Peter Weru Kinyua.

Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Oranga was also appointed as head of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. Mark Kosgei Chesergon was also appointed to lead the Kerio Valley Development Authority, whereas Anab Mohamed Gur was appointed to the Nairobi Rivers Commission.

Similarly, Dr. Nuh Nassir Abdi has been appointed to lead the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre.

Kidero’s appointment comes months after Ruto’s efforts to appoint him as Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Trade failed to materialise following a court ruling on the appointments.

Prior to the appointment, Kidero had served as the first Nairobi Governor and his tenure was marred with rampant cases of corruption. Attempts to secure another term in the subsequent election failed after he lost to Mike Sonko.

Kidero then vied for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat in 2022 but lost to Gladys Wanga.