President William Ruto has announced that Samuel Waweru Mwangi will be the new chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre for a three-year term starting on April 1, 2025. This information was made public in a gazette notice.
Ruto’s notice stated that he has the authority to make this appointment according to the Tourism Act and other legal provisions.
He also mentioned that the previous chairperson, Irungu Nyakera, has been removed from his position.
Nyakera responded to his removal by joking on social media. He said, “I feel special to be fired in such a formal way; they could not wait until Friday.”
Before this announcement, Nyakera said he would not attend Ruto’s visit to Mount Kenya because he is busy with school at Oxford University.
He noted, “I want to share my message with the people and leaders of Mount Kenya, even though I won’t be there.”
Nyakera also encouraged the people of Mount Kenya to focus on development during the president’s visit.
He reminded everyone that the previous election was about development, which comes from the president’s actions. He emphasised the importance of completing unfinished projects in the region.
Nyakera has held several important positions. After working in the Transport Ministry, he was the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, where he focused on issues related to arid and semi-arid land.
In May 2023, Ruto appointed him as the chairperson of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) and later gave him the role at KICC. In February 2023, Nyakera was also chosen to be the leader of the Farmers Party of Kenya.
