Murkomen appoints Charlene Ruto’s friend to KPA board few weeks after her graduation
Caroline Njoki Maina, also known as Njoki wa Mathira, has been appointed to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) board of directors.
Njoki, who graduated last month, was named to the board by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen as part of a shake-up that saw half of the board removed.
She is good friends with President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto, and refers to them as sisters.
The appointment, which occurred barely a month after her graduation, was welcome news, especially given that millions of Kenyan youth are unemployed or underemployed, with some having been in this situation for years after graduation.
Charlene was among those who congratulated Njoki on her graduation on December 2, 2023.
“My baby sis did it. She has the power to read and write. So proud of you Njoki Wa Mathira for being a good example to our youth.” Charlene wrote.
“Happiest birthday my big sister Charlene Ruto. You are brilliantly growing so strong with a touch of elegance. Your aura and charisma have you out here doing what you do best just being young.” Njoki wrote during Charlene’s birthday in January 2023.
Her appointment which will run for three years was made through a gazette notice dated Friday, January 20, and will commence on Monday, January 23, 2023.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 (f) of the Kenya Ports Authority Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport appoints the aforementioned,” read the notice in part.
An elated Njoki accepted the appointment and expressed gratitude to the president, his deputy and Transport CS for believing in her.
“I will greatly take up this role to impact purposeful change and deliver our promises to Kenyans. To all my friends and support system, thank you.
“I am truly grateful to the president, his deputy and the CS for bestowing their trust upon me to deliver in my capacity and in the respective area assigned to me,” Njoki shared on Saturday, January 21.
She has been a close friend to the first daughter, accompanying her on several trips outside the country, including in Morocco and Ghana.
