NAIROBI, Kenya — Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has appointed Naiyanoi Ntutu Ng’eno, widow of the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, to the board of the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA).
A gazette notice published on Thursday, April 2, confirmed that Naiyanoi will serve a three-year term on the ICTA board, effective from the date of publication.
The ICTA plays a central role in advancing Kenya’s digital economy, supporting e-government initiatives, and ensuring effective regulation of the information and communication technology sector. Naiyanoi’s appointment positions her to contribute to these critical mandates.
ICTA Board Chairperson Lily Ng’ok Kirui welcomed the appointment, expressing confidence in her capabilities.
“Welcome to the Information and Communication Technology Authority Board, Naiyanoi Ntutu Ng’eno. I am looking forward to working closely with you,” Ng’ok Kirui said in a social media message.
“I have no doubt in your abilities and the contribution you will make to the team. Together, we will fulfil our collective mandate,” she added.
Naiyanoi first came into the national spotlight following the tragic death of her husband in a helicopter crash on February 28, 2026, which also claimed the lives of five others. The incident drew widespread national attention, with political leaders and members of the public offering condolences.
After Johana Ng’eno’s passing, Naiyanoi briefly entered the political arena, expressing interest in contesting the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary seat. She later withdrew from the race, citing personal reasons and consultations with her family.
Her decision to step back from electoral politics marked a shift towards public service. Her new role on the ICTA board allows her to engage in governance and policymaking, contributing to Kenya’s digital transformation agenda while honoring her late husband’s legacy.
A prominent Kenyan lineage
Naiyanoi comes from a well-known family in Narok County. Her family ties extend further into local leadership.
Her uncle, Patrick Ole Ntutu, currently serves as the Governor of Narok County. Despite her family’s prominent political standing, Naiyanoi has largely kept a low profile until recent events brought her into the national spotlight.
Naiyanoi is widely recognised for her advocacy on women’s rights. She has been involved in community initiatives across Narok and Emurua Dikirr, helping women understand their legal protections and access support when needed. She also engages with school-age girls, encouraging them to remain in education and develop leadership skills.
Naiyanoi married the late MP Johana Ng’eno on 18 August 2018 in a colourful ceremony at Emurua Dikirr Secondary School, attended by several senior leaders, including then Deputy President William Ruto. The couple had two young daughters. Their lives were irrevocably changed on 28 February 2026, when Ng’eno died in a helicopter crash in Nandi.
Since then, Naiyanoi has continued to balance her professional legal career with her responsibilities as a mother, embodying resilience and dignity as she navigates personal loss amid national mourning.
