ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has made significant changes to the Board of Directors at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) by revoking certain appointments.
In a Gazette notice dated Friday, July 14, Owalo appointed James Maathai as a board member for a three-year term, effective immediately.
The appointments of Alex Matere and John King’ori Wahome, made during the tenure of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, were revoked by Owalo.
King’ori was among the last appointees made by Uhuru before he handed over power to President William Ruto. Matere, Henry Mbote, Robert Ochieng Ocholla, and Hassan Osman were appointed by former ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru.
Upon assuming office, CS Owalo pledged to revamp the national broadcaster and restore it to its former glory, ensuring revenue generation.
In November 2022, he called for the corporation to focus on sustainable people-based development production. Owalo emphasized that development broadcasting is a service to the nation and can help turn around KBC and alleviate its heavy debt.
The CS expressed his intention to equip KBC with modernized equipment and restore its name to the Voice of Kenya (VOK).
Additionally, he stressed the importance of retaining KBC staff, who are often lured away by other media houses offering better salaries and benefits. Owalo aimed to make KBC an attractive destination for journalists, addressing the issue of talent leaving the corporation for greener pastures.
In a separate development on the same day, Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir also revoked the appointments of Eva Sawe, Samuel Mugo Kimani, and John Karamunya Limakamar as members of the Board of Directors of the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).
