Ruto re-appoints Feisal Abass as Chair of Privatisation Commission

President William Ruto has re-appointed Feisal Abass as the non-executive Chairperson of the Privatisation Commission for a fresh term of three years.

The announcement was made through a gazette notice dated July 18, 2025.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 (1) (a) of the Privatisation Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, reappoint— Feisal Abass to be the non-executive Chairperson of the Privatisation Commission, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 18th July, 2025,” the gazette read.

Abass’s re-appointment signals continuity at the helm of the commission, which plays a key role in advising the government on the privatisation of public assets and state-owned enterprises.

The commission was established as a corporate body under the Privatisation Act 2005. 

It is tasked with formulating, managing, and implementing Kenya’s privatisation programme as part of broader efforts to enhance efficiency and boost economic performance.

He brings extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, complemented by a strong academic background in economics and strategic management.

He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the American University in Cairo and an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi.

Abass has spent over two decades in leadership roles, serving on the boards of several key state corporations, including Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), Geothermal Development Company (GDC), and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).

He also previously chaired the Policyholders Compensation Fund (PCF), where he was involved in significant governance reforms.

Notably, he played a role in KenGen’s listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, demonstrating his commitment to driving state-owned corporations towards market-led operations and enhanced accountability.

First appointed as Chair of the Privatisation Commission in July 2022 by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, Abass was retained by President William Ruto’s administration following the commission’s transition into the Privatisation Authority.