NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Construction Authority (NCA) has appointed Susan C. Rutto as its new Executive Director and Registrar of Contractors in an acting capacity, effective September 4, 2026.
Rutto takes over from Maurice Akech, whose tenure at the helm of the Authority recently ended after more than seven years.
She currently serves as the NCA’s General Manager for Registration and Accreditation, a position she has held since June 2020.
Before that, Rutto served as Manager for Registration and Compliance from December 2013, giving her more than a decade of experience within the Authority.
Rutto takes over NCA leadership
NCA Board Chairperson Mercy Okiro announced Rutto’s appointment, saying she would serve as Executive Director/Registrar of Contractors and Secretary to the Board during the transition.
“The National Construction Authority (NCA) wishes to announce the appointment of Qs. Susan C. Rutto as Executive Director/Registrar of Contractors and Secretary to the Board, in an acting capacity, effective 4th September 2026,” Okiro said.
The appointment places Rutto at the centre of the Authority’s operations as it transitions from Akech’s tenure.
Okiro said the new acting chief executive has extensive institutional knowledge, having been part of the NCA’s early development.
Key role in contractor registration
According to Okiro, Rutto was among the Authority’s key founding staff members and played a significant role in establishing its contractor registration function.
Her responsibilities included helping develop evaluation criteria and initiating the contractor registration process, which has since become one of the Authority’s core regulatory functions.
“She brings over 20 years of professional experience in the construction industry, spanning both the private and public sectors,” Okiro added.
The board said Rutto’s experience within the construction sector and familiarity with the Authority’s operations would help maintain continuity during the leadership transition.
Board backs Rutto for transition
Okiro said the NCA Board was confident that Rutto’s institutional knowledge and leadership experience would enable her to guide the Authority during the interim period.
“The Board is confident that Qs. Rutto’s institutional knowledge, leadership experience and understanding of the construction industry will provide the Authority with the continuity and strategic direction needed during this transition,” Okiro said.
Her appointment also means the Authority’s contractor registration and accreditation functions will be overseen by an executive who has worked directly within the areas for several years.
Who is Susan Rutto?
Rutto has spent more than a decade working at the NCA, rising through positions focused on contractor registration, compliance and accreditation.
She became Manager, Registration and Compliance in December 2013 before being appointed General Manager, Registration and Accreditation in June 2020.
Her professional experience extends beyond the public sector, with the NCA board saying she has worked in both private and public-sector construction environments for more than 20 years.
Her background places her within one of the Authority’s most important regulatory areas, particularly the registration and accreditation of contractors operating in Kenya.
NCA’s mandate
The National Construction Authority is a state corporation established under the National Construction Authority Act No. 41 of 2011.
The Authority is responsible for regulating and overseeing various aspects of Kenya’s construction industry.
Its mandate includes the registration and licensing of contractors, registration of construction projects and accreditation of construction workers, among other functions.
The NCA also plays a role in promoting standards and compliance within the construction sector as the government seeks to improve the quality, safety and professionalism of construction activities.
