Kenya’s celebrated singer and philanthropist Jaguar has been appointed as a board member of the National Authority for Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

Jaguar, who has had close relations with Uhuru joins 302 officials named by the president to the 79 state corporations.

UHURU APPOINTS 302 TO FILL PARASTATAL JOBS

State house announced yesterday that the president had made 302 appointments to the civil service.

According to the statement by statehouse, the changes are part of reform and transformation of the Parastatal Sector as a key ingredient for enhancing the quality and timeliness of service delivery and accelerating economic development as a critical link to building technical capacity and transfer of knowledge in our country.

“Following the Presidential Taskforce on Parastatal Reforms, the administration has systematically assessed the strengths and weaknesses in the Structure and Operations of Parastatals, interrogated the policies on the management and governance of the parastatals with the aim of determining how best they would contribute to the pursuit of national development aspirations, facilitating the transformation of our country into a great land of prosperity and opportunity for all, “read the statement, which was signed by State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu.

“In making the appointments, the administration has tapped into the wisdom, experience and knowledge of our senior citizens, while embracing the energy, enthusiasm and innovation of our young people,” it added.

FORMER CABINET MINISTERS

Several former cabinet ministers are among the individuals appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta to chair various parastatals.

Among the appointees is Soita Shitanda who will be the chairperson of the Agricultural Development Corporation, Omingo Magara as chairperson of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Former Cabinet Minister Samuel Poghisio as chairperson of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Board and Musikari Kombo as chairperson of the Water Services Trust Fun for a period of three years.

Also in the list is Raila Odinga’s Sister Dr Wenwa Akinyi Odinga who previously served as a diplomat in the United States.

She has been appointed alongside Dr Joseph Mutai to be members of the Board of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

Veteran conservationist Richard Leakey (70) was also appointed as chairman of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board. Leakey helped slow poaching in the country two decades ago.

All the appointees will serve for a period of three years.