David Mugonyi named new Communications Authority boss, after Ezra Chiloba’s resignation




The Board of Directors of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has announced the appointment of David Mugonyi as the new Director General of the institution, as from January 15, 2024. Mugonyi fills the position left vacant following the suspension and subsequent departure of his predecessor, Ezra Chiloba, who served in the position for about two years from late October 2021.

Since Chiloba’s suspension, Christopher Wambua, the ICT industry regulator’s director of Corporate Communications, has been serving as the Acting Director General (DG).

(TOP: David Mugonyi, the incoming director general at CA).

Mugonyi, the Head of Presidential Communication Service, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, having amassed 23 years of distinguished service across the public service, media, and strategic communications. A seasoned professional, he holds a Master’s Degree in International Journalism from City University in the UK, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Nairobi, and a Diploma in Mass Communication from the same institution.

Prior to his appointment, Mugonyi served in various capacities, including over a decade leading strategic communications for the Government of Kenya. As the Head of the Presidential Communications Service, he played a pivotal role as the primary advisor on communications, perception, and reputation management at the highest level in the Republic of Kenya.

The Board is confident that Mugonyi’s extensive experience, coupled with his academic background, will contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of the Authority. His proven track record in navigating the complexities of public service and strategic communications makes him well-suited to lead the organization into the future.

“The Communications Authority expresses its gratitude to the outgoing Acting Director General for his dedicated service and welcomes Mr. David Mugonyi to this critical leadership position. We look forward to working closely with Mr. Mugonyi as the organization continues to play a central role in shaping and regulating the communications landscape in Kenya,” read a statement signed by CA board chairperson Mary Mungai.

After his suspension from the post of DG in September 2023, Chiloba, CA’s former boss, resigned on October 19, 2023, exactly a month after he’s asked to step aside from the role.

The CA board later advertised the position, asking those with the requisite qualifications to submit their applications for consideration.

Chiloba served as the CA Director General for two years, having been appointed in October 2021, replacing Francis Wangusi.

Chiloba was suspended over alleged abuse of office practices, less than two years after taking over the position. The suspension was communicated via an internal memo by CA board chair Mary Mungai on Monday September 18, 2023, following a board meeting.

In Chiloba’s absence, Christopher Wambua, the ICT industry regulator’s director of Corporate Communications was appointed and has since been serving as the acting DG at the CA.

“Following a meeting of the Authority’s Board held on 18th September 2023, resulting in the suspension of the Director General, I am pleased to inform all staff of the appointment of Mr Christopher Wambua as a Director General in Acting Capacity effective today until further notice. I trust that you will accord him the necessary support,” board chair Mungai stated in the memo.

Chiloba, the former IEBC CEO, took over the role of Director General of the CA in October 2021, replacing the authority’s former boss Francis Wangusi who’s contract expired in 2019. He’s to serve for a 4-year renewable term. His predecessor, Mr Wangusi, passed on in early March this year in Nairobi.

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