The Communications Authority lawyer emerges from a 152-applicant field to head the country’s data protection office as digital privacy concerns mount.
By Grace Wanja
President William Ruto yesterday nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as Kenya’s next Data Commissioner, forwarding her name to the National Assembly for vetting and approval under the Data Protection Act.
Chelagat served as Corporation Secretary and Director of Legal Services at the Communications Authority of Kenya. She emerged from a competitive field of 152 applicants after the Public Service Commission shortlisted 13 candidates for interviews held on 5 October 2026 at its Harambee Avenue offices in Nairobi. Among those interviewed was Media Council of Kenya chief executive David Omwoyo.
Chelagat is expected to succeed Immaculate Kassait, Kenya’s inaugural Data Commissioner, whose six-year non-renewable term has ended. Kassait was appointed in November 2020 and oversaw the establishment of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner under the Data Protection Act, 2019. The law limits the holder to a single term with no eligibility for reappointment.
The office has grown considerably in significance as Kenya expands its digital economy, with mounting public concern over how government agencies, financial institutions, telecoms and private businesses handle personal data.
Ruto’s announcement also included leadership changes at five state corporations. Waweru Karanja was appointed chief executive of the Privatisation Authority; Wakhungu Patrick Murunga takes the helm of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources; and Peninah Wangare Wahome was named chief executive of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya. John Washington Agutu and Janerose Omondi were named acting chief executives of the National Housing Corporation and Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust respectively.
Parliament holds the final word β and with Kenya’s digital economy expanding rapidly, the scrutiny will matter.
