Former PS Among 9 Shortlisted for National Research Fund Chairperson Job

The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has shortlisted nine candidates for the position of Chairperson of the National Research Fund (NRF) Board of Trustees.

In a notice issued by the Selection Panel, which operates under the leadership of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, a total of 36 applications were received by the March 10, 2026, deadline.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 32 (5) and (6) of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, Cap 511, the Selection Panel invited applications for suitably qualified persons for nomination for appointment to the position of Chairperson (1 Position) of the National Research Fund Board of Trustees. The advertisement was placed on 10th February 2026, and closed on 10th March 2026 at 5.00 p.m. [EAT],” read part of the notice.

However, eight applications were deemed invalid and excluded from consideration. According to the panel, three applicants applied for positions that had not been advertised, another three failed to specify the position they were applying for, while two did not apply for any vacancy at all. This left 28 eligible applications that proceeded to the long-listing stage.

After a criteria-based evaluation, the panel narrowed down the list to nine candidates who are scheduled for interviews on May 13 and May 14, 2026.

Mudavadi’s Office Shortlists 9 People for NRF Chairperson Position

Among those shortlisted for the NRF Chairperson position is former Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Fatuma Hirsi Mohamed.

Other shortlisted candidates include Vassey N Mwaja, Ezekiel Kibet Tanui, Justus Inonda Mwanje, Evans Kituzi Avedi, Wafula Okumu, Mary Goretti Wosyanju, Vincent Agala Chokaa, and Thomas Kiprono Serrem.

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The interviews will be conducted over two days, with candidates required to appear at least 30 minutes before their scheduled time. They are also expected to present original identification documents, academic and professional certificates, as well as any supporting testimonials.

Additionally, candidates with foreign academic qualifications must provide recognition letters from the Commission for University Education.

The panel further noted that the successful candidate will be required to obtain clearance from key government agencies, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Higher Education Loans Board, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, a registered Credit Reference Bureau, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

The recruitment process is being conducted in line with Section 32 (5) and (6) of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, which guides the appointment of members to the National Research Fund Board of Trustees.

The Selection Panel, led by Prof. Amina Abubakar, stated that publishing the names of applicants complies with the Data Protection Act, stressing that all candidates agreed to the disclosure when applying.

Profile of Dr Fatuma Hirsi

Dr. Fatuma Hirsi Mohamed is a seasoned Communications expert with over three decades of experience across public service, corporate leadership, and academia, distinguished for her expertise in strategic communications and governance.

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She currently works as a management consultant and executive coach, advising organisations and mentoring professionals on leadership, resilience, and career development. In academia, she contributes as a postdoctoral communication specialist and higher education instructor with HarvardX.

Dr. Mohamed also plays a key role in philanthropy as co-founder of Gargaar Kenya, a non-governmental organisation focused on expanding educational opportunities for girls, particularly in underserved communities.

Her career in public service includes serving as Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and later in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, where she was involved in policy implementation and sector reforms.

In the corporate world, she held senior roles such as Corporate Affairs Manager at Nation Media Group and served as Regional Coordinator for Africa at the Universal Postal Union based in Switzerland.

Academically, she holds a PhD and was among the pioneer students of the Strathmore Business School MBA programme. She also earned a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from HarvardX in 2023.

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Former PS Tourism Dr Fatuma Hirsi Mohamed speaking at a past media interview in 2016. PHOTO/World Travel Awards