Radio Africa Boss Hired As KBC's New Managing Director

Kalekye prior to this appointment was the Chairperson of the Media Owners Association (MOA).

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
May 17, 2024 - 23:07 Updated: May 18, 2024 - 00:18
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Radio Africa Boss Hired As KBC's New Managing Director
KBC offices in Nairobi. /FILE

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, Eliud has appointed Agnes Kalekye Nguna as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

This appointment will run for a period of three years. Kalekye prior to this appointment was the Chief Operating Officer at The Star Publications and the Chairperson of the Media Owners Association (MOA).

“This appointment, which is effective immediately, will run for a period of three years,” Owalo said in a statement.

Media Owners Association Chairperson Agnes Kalekye speaking during the celebration of World Radio Day 2024 on February 13, 2024. /MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA

The official announcement was made by the Cabinet Secretary through the Chairman of the Board of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.

"We wish Ms. Nguna well in her new role and the Ministry looks forward to her working closely with the Board of Directors in the revitalisation of the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation as envisaged," added the statement.

Kalekye’s appointment follows a competitive recruitment process in March 2024 in which eight candidates were interviewed.

The shortlisted candidates included Abraham Muthogo Kamau from Nairobi, Tabitha Mutemi, OGW from Kitui, Christopher S. Khisa (PhD) from Bungoma and Peter Njigua from Vihiga.

Others were Jason K. Nyantino from Kisii, Peter O. Opondo from Kakamega and Sogoti James from Baringo.

It is worth noting that KBC has not had a substantive Managing Director (MD) since the departure of Naim Bilal.

Samuel Maina was appointed as KBC acting MD following the expiry of Bilal's contract on March 19, 2022, but the former Vice-President of the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) was fired on December 19, 2023, after his controversial commitment to pay $5 billion (Ksh769 billion) in the LCIA Arbitration No. 122233: Channel 2 Group Corporation versus Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.

The ICT Ministry in a statement expressed dismay over the commitment made by the acting Managing Director without seeking the necessary approvals from key government entities, including the Ministry itself, the National Treasury, and the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice.

Furthermore, Owalo described the action by Maina as a "total disregard of earlier instructions" given to the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation on the matter.

KBC acting MD Samuel Maina. /FACEBOOK

Other Appointments

Eng. Joseph Mungai Kamau was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Athi Water Works Development Agency.

Abdallah Mohamed Hatimy was appointed as the Managing Director of the Kenya National Shipping Line Limited.

Phillip Kiptanui Kirwa was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. All three appointments take effect immediately.