Who Is Lydia Sitienei, Ruto’s Nominee For Data Commissioner?
The presidential announcement also confirmed appointments to leadership positions in five state corporations.
By Staff Writer
President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei, the Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) Director of Legal Services and Corporation Secretary, for appointment as the country’s second Data Commissioner.
The nomination, announced on Monday through a press release by the Executive Office of the President, follows a recommendation by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Sitienei is expected to succeed Immaculate Kassait, Kenya’s inaugural Data Commissioner, whose six-year term is coming to an end.
As head of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), the Data Commissioner oversees the enforcement of data protection laws, safeguards individuals’ privacy rights and regulates the collection, processing and use of personal data by public and private institutions.
Her nomination comes amid growing demands for stronger data protection and regulatory oversight as Kenya expands its digital economy and adoption of technology-driven services.
If approved by Parliament, Sitienei will take charge of the country’s data protection regulator, which plays a central role in ensuring that organizations comply with statutory requirements governing the handling of personal information.
The presidential announcement also confirmed appointments to leadership positions in five state corporations.
Waweru Karanja was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Privatization Authority, while Wakhungu Patrick Murunga was named CEO of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa (RCGW).
Peninah Wangare Wahome was appointed CEO of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), while John Washington Agutu and Dr. Janerose Omondi were named acting CEOs of the National Housing Corporation and Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST), respectively.
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