NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto and several Cabinet Secretaries have announced sweeping changes across key state agencies in a fresh round of appointments and revocations detailed in a Gazette notice dated November 28, 2025.
The most consequential move was the removal of Josephat Gichunge Mwirabua Kabeabea as Member and Chairperson of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA). Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui revoked the appointment with immediate effect, exercising powers under the Anti-Counterfeit Act.
“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 6 (1) (a) and (h) of the Anti-Counterfeit Act… the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry revokes the appointment of Josephat Gichunge Mwirabua Kabeabea,” the notice read in part.
Kabeabea’s ouster comes weeks after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions cleared charges against him for allegedly soliciting and receiving a bribe from a Chinese businessman operating as Hongda Automotive Limited.
The allegations have cast a spotlight on governance standards within state corporations, with the reshuffle seen as part of a broader clean-up.
In the same Gazette notice, President Ruto reappointed Winfreda Ngumi as Chairperson of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). Her new term runs from November 28, 2025, to November 23, 2026.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba also made significant changes within university councils. Former Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua was appointed to the Council of Mama Ngina University College for a three-year term, replacing Lizzie Chongoti.
The CS further named Ruth Charity Wanyonyi, Edita Wambeti Njue, Emmanuel Bore Ng’etuny, and Thuranira Thimangu as members of Tharaka University Council.
Maseno University also saw new appointments, with Robert Nyanjui Wainaina and Peter Bunei Mastamet joining its governing council for a similar three-year term.
At the Transport Ministry, CS Davis Chirchir appointed Joyce Nyambura Mundara and Kenneth Wando Odhiambo to the Board of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), effective November 28, 2025.
ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo added four new members to the Media Council of Kenya: Kosgei Kemboi Alvin, Dr Abduba Mollu Ido, CPA Enock Nyanchoga Monari, and Risper Awuor Olick — all to serve three-year tenures.
The latest shake-up underscores the administration’s efforts to recalibrate leadership within state agencies amid rising demands for accountability and operational efficiency. It also marks the most extensive round of state appointments in recent months, signalling renewed executive focus on governance reforms.
Kabeabea previously served as Tigania East MP between 2017 and 2022 before taking over as ACA Chair in February 2023. He holds a Master of Science from Makerere University and a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Nairobi.
His tenure at ACA has now been cut short following the bribery allegations that prompted scrutiny from oversight bodies.
