Months after parting ways with the ODM party to align with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza, former Kisii Governor James Ongwae has secured a government appointment. He has been named the Chairman of the Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC).
Ongwae is set to fulfill the role for a duration of three years. According to a gazette notice issued on November 15, 2023, ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo specified that Ongwae's appointment is effective immediately. Simultaneously, Owalo appointed other members to the advisory council.
Following months of job hunting within the Kenya Kwanza government, Ongwae's appointment as the Chairman of the Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC) has been announced. Raila Odinga, after going live on TikTok through Nyako's account, shared the list of appointed members, which includes Patrick Muriithi, Dr. Amos Omollo, Lily Koech, Francis Gitau, Joy Mutuma, Dr. Ferdinand Nyongesa, Benjamin Rop, and Elizabeth Limagur.
Despite being one of the leaders who applied for Chief Administrative Positions, Ongwae did not secure a spot on the final list of appointees.
As the inaugural governor of Kisii County, he served from 2013 to 2022 after being elected on an ODM Party ticket. Notably, Ongwae shifted his allegiance from the ODM party to President William Ruto's camp after the August 9, 2022 elections, during which he endorsed Azimio Leader Raila Odinga for the Presidency.
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USAC plays a crucial role in offering strategic policy guidance for the administration and execution of the Universal Service Fund (USF).
Established in 2013, the USF's primary objective is to foster widespread access, capacity building, and innovation in information and communications technology services.
For a period of three years, the council had remained without members. On May 9 this year, the government advertised positions for the chairperson and eight board members to revitalize the council's functioning.
"Applications are invited from suitably qualified Kenyans wishing to be considered for nomination to the post of chairperson or member of the Universal Service Advisory Council,” stated the PSC advertisement.
