President Ruto Revokes Linda Nkatha's Appointment as Affordable Housing Board Chairperson

President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of Linda Nkatha as the chairperson of the Affordable Housing Board. In a gazette notice dated Friday, July 6, Ruto announced that Jeremiah Ndambuki Simu would replace Nkatha. Simu, who previously served as a director at the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), will serve as the board's chairperson for three years.

The notice reads, "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 16 (3) (a) of the Affordable Housing Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Jeremiah Ndambuki Simu to be the Chairperson of the Affordable Housing Board, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from July 5, 2024. The appointment of Linda Nkatha Gichuyia (Dr.) is revoked."

Nkatha's appointment was revoked just three months after her initial appointment in March of this year. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga had confirmed her appointment during a Citizen TV interview on March 20, noting that the board had wide representation, including members from COTU, FKE, CoG, and three independent directors along with an independent chairperson.

The reasons for Nkatha's removal have not been disclosed.