President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat as Kenya's next Data Commissioner, forwarding her name to the National Assembly for vetting and approval.

The nomination was announced on Monday, 9 November 2026, by Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong'o. Ruto acted on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission and in line with the Data Protection Act, which governs the appointment.

Chelagat currently serves as Corporation Secretary and Director of Legal Services at the Communications Authority of Kenya. If approved by Parliament, she will lead the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, the regulator that oversees Kenya's data protection law.

A competitive race for the post

Chelagat emerged from a competitive recruitment exercise run by the Public Service Commission, which attracted 152 applications for the position. The commission shortlisted 13 candidates, who were interviewed on 5 October 2026 at its offices along Harambee Avenue in Nairobi.

Among those shortlisted was David Omwoyo, chief executive of the Media Council of Kenya. The field was narrowed to Chelagat, whose background in communications regulation and legal services was put forward as the basis for the nomination.

Who Chelagat will succeed

If approved, Chelagat will succeed Immaculate Kassait, Kenya's inaugural Data Commissioner. Kassait was appointed in November 2020, with her term beginning on 16 November that year, and oversaw the establishment of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner under the Data Protection Act, 2019.

The law limits the Data Commissioner to a single six-year term, with no eligibility for reappointment. Kassait's term is now coming to an end in mid-November 2026, opening the way for a new holder of the office.

What the Data Commissioner does

The Data Commissioner heads the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, which enforces the Data Protection Act and safeguards personal information. The office regulates how organisations collect, process, store and use personal data, and handles complaints from the public.

The role has grown in importance as Kenya's digital economy has expanded, with more services collecting personal data and more Kenyans raising concerns about how their information is handled. Parliament's vetting is expected to examine Chelagat's record at the Communications Authority and her plans for enforcing the Act.

Five state corporation chiefs named

The nomination came alongside leadership changes at five state corporations announced on the same day. Waweru Karanja was named chief executive of the Privatization Authority, Patrick Murunga Wakhungu was named chief executive of the Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources Education, Training and Research in Eastern Africa, and Peninah Wangare Wahome was named chief executive of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya.

John Washington Agutu was named acting chief executive of the National Housing Corporation, and Dr Janerose Omondi was named acting chief executive of the Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust.

Chelagat's appointment is not yet final. Her name must first be considered by the National Assembly, and she can only take office once lawmakers approve the nomination.