President William Ruto on Friday appointed Naomi Shaban as the chairperson of the Tobacco Control Board.
The President in a Gazette notice revoked the appointment of Khama Rogo who was appointed to the position in July, 2022.
Ruto said Shaban's appointment takes effect immediately and she will serve for a period of two years
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (3) of the State Corporations Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Naomi Shaban to be the chairperson of the Tobacco Control Board, with effect from October 13, 2023, up to the July 12, 2025. The appointment of Khama Rogo (Dr.) is revoked,” the Gazette notice reads.
Shaban is a former Taveta Member of Parliament. She lost her 2022 bid to recapture the seat, making it her fifth failed attempt.
Shaban, who joined politics in 2002, is one of the Coastal region's longest-serving legislators.
She Shabserved as an MP for 20 years after unseating former MP Basil Criticos.
The Kenya Tobacco Control Board (TCB) is established under Section 5 of the Tobacco Control Act, 2007.
The Act is the principal legal instrument that governs tobacco control in Kenya.
The establishment of the law was a culmination of a process that started after Kenya ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
The TCB is housed under the Ministry of Health.
The mission of the board is to provide leadership in efforts to reduce continually and substantially the prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke in Kenya through policy, partnerships, and resource mobilization.