Nairobi — President William Ruto has appointed Peter Ndegwa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Safaricom, as the new Chancellor of Meru University of Science and Technology.

The appointment, which is effective from November 1, 2023, is for a five-year term, as stated in a gazette notice dated November 2.

The announcement reads, "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 38 (1) (a) of the Universities Act, 2012, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, appoint Peter Ndegwa Waititu to be the Chancellor of the Meru University of Science and Technology, for a period of five (5) years, with effect from the 1st November, 2023."

Peter Ndegwa takes over from James Mwangi, the head of Equity Bank, whose tenure as Chancellor of Meru University ended on July 20, 2023, after serving two consecutive five-year terms. James Mwangi is currently the Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya (OUK).

In addition to Peter Ndegwa's appointment, President Ruto also named Lukoye Atwoli as the non-executive Chairperson of the board of directors at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. Lukoye Atwoli, the son of Francis Atwoli, the Secretary-General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), will serve in this capacity for three years, with effect from October 17, 2023.

President Ruto further appointed former Ijara Member of Parliament, Sophia Abdi Noor, as the Chairperson of the National Council for Children Services. Sophia Abdi Noor's term will last for three years, beginning on November 3, 2023.

These appointments reflect the President's commitment to making significant changes in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and child welfare.