ICT Authority Appoints Jessy Kiveu Maruti as New Chief Executive

ICT Authority has appointed Jessy Kiveu Maruti as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), bringing to an end a seven-month leadership transition at the state agency.

The appointment followed what officials described as a competitive selection process.

It was subsequently formalised by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo.

Mr Maruti’s appointment concludes a period of uncertainty at the Authority. For the past seven months, the organisation has been under interim leadership after Zilpher Owiti took over as Acting CEO in July 2025.

Ms Owiti stepped into the position following the controversial exit of the then CEO, Stanley Kamanguya, whose departure came amid a high-profile legal dispute with the Board over the renewal of his contract.

Although the Employment and Labour Relations Court briefly reinstated Mr Kamanguya in late July 2025, nullifying the initial interim appointment, he resigned just days later.

At the time, he cited the need to move beyond what he described as administrative friction.

Speaking during the transition ceremony, Board Chairperson Hon. Lily Ng’ok thanked Ms Owiti for her stewardship during the transition.

She said the Board appreciated her “dedicated service” throughout the interim period, noting that it enabled the Authority to maintain operations while the search for a permanent successor was under way.

Meanwhile, Mr Maruti assumes office with more than 18 years of experience in the ICT sector and public administration.

Most recently, he headed Public Sector operations at Telkom Kenya. In that role, he oversaw key national infrastructure projects, including the National Optic Fibre Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI) and the Government Common Core Network (GCCN).

Also in presence was the Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui.

He indicated that the incoming CEO’s immediate priority would be implementing the Authority’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan.

“Mr. Maruti will oversee the implementation of the Authority’s mandate and advance key national digital initiatives that are central to Kenya’s digital economy,” Eng Tanui stated.