President William Ruto has made a significant leadership change at the Communications Authority of Kenya by appointing Charles Kamau Karondo as the new Chairperson of the agency.
In 2022, Karondo was appointed Chairperson of the Athi Water Works Agency, earning recognition as one of the youngest individuals to head a state agency in Kenya. His latest appointment is now seen as another major step in his leadership journey within government institutions.
Outgoing chairperson Mary Wambui Mungai, popularly known as “Wambui wa Ruto,” had held the position since December 2022 after replacing Gilbert Kibe following his retirement. She remained one of President Ruto’s close political allies and supporters.
However, her tenure attracted public attention due to a high-profile tax evasion case involving KSh2.2 billion. The Kenya Revenue Authority had accused her company of failing to remit taxes between 2014 and 2019. The case was later dropped in early 2023 after intervention by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Although the government has not publicly explained the reasons behind her removal, political observers believe the latest move signals President Ruto’s continued efforts to introduce fresh leadership into strategic government agencies.
Under Karondo’s leadership, the Communications Authority is expected to continue strengthening cyber security systems, regulating communication licenses, promoting fair competition in the sector, and expanding Kenya’s growing digital economy.
