President William Ruto has appointed new chairpersons to two government bodies overseeing military veterans’ affairs and social protection programmes.
The appointments affect the Advisory Committee on Military Veterans and the National Board for Social Protection, with both new office holders beginning their terms on August 28, 2026.
Shume appointed military veterans committee chair
In a gazette notice issued on Friday, August 28, President Ruto appointed retired Major General William Karisa Shume as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Military Veterans.
Shume will serve for a four-year term, succeeding retired Major General Lucas Kyonze Tumbo, whose tenure came to an end.
His appointment was made under Section 10(2)(a) of the Military Veterans Act, which gives the President the authority to appoint the chairperson of the committee.
As chairperson, Shume will preside over the committee’s meetings and deliberations and guide the formulation and vetting of recommendations before they are forwarded to the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Council.
He will also advise the Defence Council and the Cabinet Secretary for Defence on policies affecting military veterans and their dependants.
The committee plays a key role in advising the government on matters affecting former members of the Kenya Defence Forces and their welfare.
Mbaka takes over social protection board
In a separate appointment, President Ruto named Cecilia Mbaka as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the National Board for Social Protection.
Mbaka will serve for three years beginning August 28, 2026, with her current term expected to run until August 2029.
The President may renew her appointment for another three years or appoint a new chairperson when the term expires.
Her responsibilities will include providing strategic direction, governance and high-level oversight to the board while leaving the institution’s day-to-day administration to its management.
The National Board for Social Protection was established under the Social Protection Act to oversee the registration of beneficiaries and the delivery of social assistance to vulnerable Kenyans.
The board is involved in coordinating social protection programmes targeting people who require government support.
Appointments come ahead of 2027 election
The appointments come less than a year before the 2027 General Election, when several government officials are expected to make decisions on whether to remain in public office or pursue elective positions.
Under the electoral timeline, public officers seeking elective positions are required to resign by February 10, 2027, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
The latest changes place Shume and Mbaka at the head of two institutions responsible for advising the government and providing oversight in military veterans’ affairs and social protection.
The appointments form part of the government’s ongoing changes to leadership across state boards and agencies as it prepares to implement programmes in the final phase of its current administration.
