President William Ruto has nominated Lydia Sitienei Chelagat to become Kenya’s next Data Commissioner, paving the way for her appointment to head the country’s data protection regulator.
Government Spokesperson Charles Owino Wahong’o confirmed the nomination on Monday, November 9, 2026, saying the President had acted on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and in accordance with his constitutional mandate.
Chelagat’s name has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration and approval under the Data Protection Act, Cap 411C, Laws of Kenya.
Lydia Sitienei Chelagat to Succeed Immaculate Kassait
If approved by Parliament, Chelagat will succeed Immaculate Kassait, Kenya’s first Data Commissioner, whose six-year non-renewable term has come to an end.
Kassait was sworn into office on November 16, 2020, following the establishment of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) under the Data Protection Act, 2019.
During her tenure, she oversaw the establishment and development of the office into a fully operational regulator mandated to safeguard personal information and enforce data protection laws in Kenya.
Chelagat emerged as the preferred candidate following a competitive recruitment exercise conducted by the Public Service Commission, which attracted 152 applications.
She was among 13 candidates shortlisted for interviews conducted on October 5, 2026, at the PSC offices along Harambee Avenue in Nairobi.
Responsibilities Awaiting Kenya’s Next Data Commissioner
Once appointed, the incoming commissioner will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Data Protection Act.
The officeholder will also investigate complaints involving violations of data protection rights and monitor how public and private institutions collect, process, store and handle personal information.
The Data Commissioner serves a single, non-renewable six-year term.
Before her nomination, Chelagat served as the Director of Legal Services and Corporation Secretary at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), bringing experience in legal affairs and regulatory administration to the position.
Her nomination was part of a wider government announcement that also confirmed the appointment of five chief executives to various state corporations following competitive recruitment processes.
Parliament will now consider her nomination before she can officially take over the leadership of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.
