Kirubi's Daughter Chosen to Revamp Kenya's Tourism Identity

Appointment of Mary-Ann Musangi to Lead Tourism Rebranding Task Force

Mary-Ann Musangi, a prominent businesswoman and daughter of the late industrialist Chris Kirubi, has been appointed as the chairperson of a 23-member task force tasked with rebranding Kenya’s global tourism image. The initiative aims to position Kenya as a world-class, inclusive, and youth-driven destination, while also strengthening the national brand identity and fostering investment confidence.

The task force was officially announced by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano through a gazette notice published on August 15, 2025. The team will operate for a period of 12 months and is expected to deliver a comprehensive report containing actionable recommendations and an implementation roadmap for the rebranding efforts.

Miano emphasized that the rebranding initiative would involve a deep-dive assessment of how Kenya is perceived globally as a tourist destination. The team will benchmark against leading tourism markets and develop a fresh brand strategy aligned with Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). A key objective is to revamp the current "Magical Kenya" brand into a modern, youth-driven, innovation-led, and sustainability-focused identity.

Key Members of the Tourism Task Force

Musangi will be supported by Monali Shah as her deputy, with Grace Wangui Kamau and Fatuma Huka serving as joint secretaries. Other notable members include:

• June Chepkemei, CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB)
• Mohammed Hersi, a hotelier
• Fakii Liwali, a creative professional
• Simaloi Dajom, Head of Broadcasting at Nation Media Group
• Serah Katusya, CEO of Belva Digital

The team comprises individuals from diverse sectors, including media, hospitality, marketing, and technology, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to the rebranding process.

Musangi, who serves as managing director of HACO Industries and owns Capital FM, brings extensive experience in the private sector. She is also the chairperson of the Women in Manufacturing Committee at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), further highlighting her leadership and strategic capabilities.

Strategic Importance of the Task Force

The appointment of Musangi is seen as a strategic move to infuse private-sector dynamism and creativity into the rebranding of one of Kenya’s most vital economic pillars. Her background in business and media positions her well to lead the task force in crafting a compelling and sustainable tourism narrative.

Additional Government Appointments

In addition to the tourism task force, several other government appointments were announced in the same gazette notice. President William Ruto has named John Onyango Owino as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Commission for University Education, John Antira Ketora as Chairperson of the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation Board, and Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Levi Franklin Mghalu as Chairperson of the Kenya National Shipping Line.

The president also announced upcoming vacancies in the National Land Commission as the current office-bearers’ term ends on November 14, 2025. A selection panel has been constituted to recruit new members.

In the trade sector, Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced fresh appointments to state agencies, including Antony Mwangi to the Kenya Investment Authority Board, Joyce Kiprop Cheruiyot to the Special Economic Zones Authority, and the reappointment of Philip Coulson to the same body.

Political Party and Human Rights Appointments

President Ruto has also nominated John Cox Lorionokou as Registrar of Political Parties and Agatha Wanjiku Wahome as Assistant Registrar, both subject to parliamentary approval. In addition, Claris Awuor Onganga has been nominated as Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to replace the outgoing head.

This nomination follows the withdrawal of Duncan Oburu Ojwang, who had initially declined the role due to personal reasons and a conflict of interest. The nominees, recommended by the Public Service Commission and a gazetted selection panel, will undergo vetting by parliamentary committees to assess their qualifications, experience, and suitability before assuming office.