NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Board (PPRB), signaling renewed focus on transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.
The appointment, announced on Friday, December 20, 2024, is part of a wider effort by President Ruto’s administration to bolster leadership in key state agencies and corporations.
Wa Iria, a two-term governor and the leader of the Usawa Kwa Wote Party, is expected to leverage his extensive administrative and political experience to oversee procurement policies and ensure adherence to standards that combat corruption and misuse of public funds.
Known for his managerial background before venturing into politics, Wa Iria previously held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.
He served as the Managing Director of New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), General Manager at the Industrial Promotion Services under the Aga Khan Development Network, and held senior positions at Kenya Breweries Ltd, Ngano Feeds Ltd, and Freshco Seeds.
Wa Iria’s appointment comes amid growing scrutiny of public procurement processes, often criticized for inefficiencies and corruption.
As Chair of the PPRB, his mandate will include enforcing procurement regulations, promoting transparency in public spending, and providing oversight to safeguard taxpayer funds.
Wa Iria, born on August 28, 1969, is also the immediate former Vice-Chairperson of the Council of Governors, a position he assumed in January 2019 during his tenure as Murang’a Governor.
The appointment, announced on Friday, December 20, 2024, is part of a wider effort by President Ruto’s administration to bolster leadership in key state agencies and corporations.
Wa Iria, a two-term governor and the leader of the Usawa Kwa Wote Party, is expected to leverage his extensive administrative and political experience to oversee procurement policies and ensure adherence to standards that combat corruption and misuse of public funds.
Known for his managerial background before venturing into politics, Wa Iria previously held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.
He served as the Managing Director of New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), General Manager at the Industrial Promotion Services under the Aga Khan Development Network, and held senior positions at Kenya Breweries Ltd, Ngano Feeds Ltd, and Freshco Seeds.
Wa Iria’s appointment comes amid growing scrutiny of public procurement processes, often criticized for inefficiencies and corruption.
As Chair of the PPRB, his mandate will include enforcing procurement regulations, promoting transparency in public spending, and providing oversight to safeguard taxpayer funds.
Wa Iria, born on August 28, 1969, is also the immediate former Vice-Chairperson of the Council of Governors, a position he assumed in January 2019 during his tenure as Murang’a Governor.
