NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Uhuru-era Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa is back in the limelight, securing yet another state position under President William Ruto’s administration.
In a gazette notice published on November 29, Echesa was named the new chairperson of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
The appointment, effective immediately, was made by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who also revoked the tenure of the previous chair, Ali Wario.
Echesa will serve in the position until May 18, 2026.
This marks Echesa’s second state appointment since Ruto took office.
In May 2023, the former Youth and Sports Cabinet Secretary was named chairperson of the Kenya Water Towers Agency Board.
His latest role underscores his continued alignment with President Ruto’s administration, despite a controversial past that saw his exit from Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet in 2019.
Another notable appointee is Silas Jakakimba, a former senior advisor to Raila Odinga.
Jakakimba has been appointed to the board of directors at South Nyanza Sugar Company, also effective November 29.
The move, made by Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mithika Linturi, follows the revocation of Eric Osenya’s appointment.
Jakakimba, a lawyer, previously served as an advisor to Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga before resigning to align with Ruto’s camp. He will serve in his new role for three years.
In a gazette notice published on November 29, Echesa was named the new chairperson of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
The appointment, effective immediately, was made by Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who also revoked the tenure of the previous chair, Ali Wario.
Echesa will serve in the position until May 18, 2026.
This marks Echesa’s second state appointment since Ruto took office.
In May 2023, the former Youth and Sports Cabinet Secretary was named chairperson of the Kenya Water Towers Agency Board.
His latest role underscores his continued alignment with President Ruto’s administration, despite a controversial past that saw his exit from Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet in 2019.
Another notable appointee is Silas Jakakimba, a former senior advisor to Raila Odinga.
Jakakimba has been appointed to the board of directors at South Nyanza Sugar Company, also effective November 29.
The move, made by Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mithika Linturi, follows the revocation of Eric Osenya’s appointment.
Jakakimba, a lawyer, previously served as an advisor to Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga before resigning to align with Ruto’s camp. He will serve in his new role for three years.
