The Cabinet Secretary for ICT Eliud Owalo has appointed David Mugonyi as the new director general of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
Mugonyi takes over from Ezra Chiloba who resigned in October this year following allegations of corruption.
In a letter addressed to CA Chairperson Mary Wambui, Owalo said,
“Reference is made to the above and a letter from the Chief of Staff and head of the Public Service (Ref: SH/GM/22) dated 19th December, 2023 (enclosed) conveying approval for the appointment of Mr. David Mugonyi as the director general of the Communications Authority of Kenya,”
In a statement, the Communication Authority board has approved the appointment of Mugonyi, saying he ‘brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role having amassed years of distinguished service across the public service, media, and strategic communications’.
Mugonyi’s appointment is effective January 15, 2024.
Who is David Mugonyi?
Before his appointment, Mugonyi has been serving as the head of the Presidential Communication Service (PCS), where he played a pivotal role as the primary advisor on communications, perception, and reputation management.
He holds a Masters Degree in International Journalism from City University in the United Kingdom, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Nairobi, and a Diploma in Mass Communication from the same institution.
Ezra Chiloba’s ouster
The CA director general position was left vacant after Ezra Chiloba resigned on October 19 this year.
In September 2023, Chiloba was suspended following an internal audit that accused him of financial misconduct.
According to the audit, Chiloba and nine other top officials at the Communication Authority allegedly mishandled mortgages and allowances amounting to millions of Kenya shillings.
Chiloba was facing allegations of applying for and self-approving a mortgage loan without adhering to due process, to facilitate a property sale.
The former director general refuted any wrongdoing and in a letter to the CA board called for his reinstatement before he decided to resign.
Before his term at the authority, Chiloba worked as the CEO of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).