President William Ruto has appointed Benjamin Washiali, former Member of Parliament for Mumias East, as the Chairperson of the Board of the Tourism Regulatory Authority. The appointment, announced in a gazette notice released on Friday, March 15th, is effective immediately and spans a three-year term.
The announcement, made under the authority vested in the President by section 8 (1) (a) of the Tourism Act, in conjunction with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, emphasizes Washiali’s new role at the helm of the Tourism Regulatory Authority.
Washiali, known for his close alliance with the President, notably shelved his political ambitions in 2022 to throw his support behind Ruto during the 2022 general election campaigns. His appointment underscores the President’s confidence in his capabilities to steer the tourism sector in Kenya.
Consequently, the President has also rescinded the appointment of Halima Yussuf Mucheke, who was previously designated as the Kenyan Ambassador to the Hague, Netherlands, with effect from March 8, 2024.
In addition to Washiali’s appointment, Silas Simatwo has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Digital Health Agency for a tenure of three years, effective immediately. These appointments signal the government’s commitment to bolstering various sectors and driving forward its agenda for national development.
