Former Kisii governor Ongwae lands state appointment

By Peter Ochieng

Former Kisii governor James Ongwae has landed a state appointment, a year after leaving office.

He served as Kisii governor for two terms, from 2013 to 2022 when he was succeeded by Paul Simba Arati.

He was on Wednesday appointed as Chairperson of the Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC), on a three year contract.

ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo confirmed the appointment via a gazette notice.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 102K (6) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy appoints James E. O. Ongwae Chairperson," the notice reads in part.

The board members are Patrick Muriithi Mwati, Dr. Amos Omolo, Lily Cherono Koech, Francis Parsimei Gitau, Joy Frida Nkirote Mutuma, Dr. Ferdinand Chirure Nyongesa, Benjamin Kiptanui Rop and Elizabeth Limagur.

They will also be in office for three years, with all the appointments taking effect today (Wednesday, 15th November, 2023).

Roles of the Universal Service Advisory Council include advising the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) leadership on various issues, providing strategic policy guidance for the administration and overseeing the implementation of the Universal Service Fund (USF).

Ongwae is among a host of Gusii leaders who declared support for president William Ruto's administration, after the 2022 polls.

He was elected on the ODM party ticket, during his two terms in office as governor.