Judge Steps In as ICT Authority CEO Court Case Unfolds Over Kamanguya’s Job Security
As Kenya pushes forward with its digital agenda, a power struggle at the ICT Authority exposes deep cracks in public sector leadership and governance.
A leadership row at the heart of Kenya’s tech governance is now playing out in court. The High Court has stepped in to stop the ICT Authority Board from terminating its CEO, Stanley Kamanguya, at least for now.
Justice Nduma Nderi issued a temporary order on July 1, barring the Board from going ahead with plans to discuss Kamanguya’s reappointment. This comes just as tensions between the CEO and the Board reached a boiling point.
How It Started
According to court filings, the drama began in March. On the 6th, the ICT Authority Board had formally recommended Kamanguya for another term, and by March 10, the Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy had signed off on that recommendation. His new term was set to begin on August 8, 2025.
But something changed. Despite the official reappointment, Kamanguya says the Board called for a special meeting on July 1 with one key agenda item: discussing his reappointment all over again.
He took the matter to court, arguing that since his reappointment is already the subject of a legal petition, any attempt by the Board to reopen the issue now would be unlawful and unfair.
“The question concerning the petitioner’s reappointment as CEO of the ICT Authority is currently pending before the court,” the judge noted, addingthat the matter was urgent.
What the Court Said
In the meantime, the High Court has barred the Board from even discussing Kamanguya’s contract. The judge made it clear: no meetings, no resolutions, no interference until the court hears the case on July 7.
This move effectively pauses what Kamanguya described as a coordinated attempt to remove him through the back door. It also marks the latest twist in what’s quickly becoming a high-stakes ICT Authority CEO court case.
Bigger Than One Job
The fallout could go far beyond one man’s job. The ICT Authority plays a central role in rolling out Kenya’s digital agenda—from e-government platforms to public-private tech partnerships. A leadership crisis at the top could slow down key projects or shake confidence in how these institutions are run.
Kamanguya has led the Authority through a period of growth and visibility. But now, even with formal backing from the Ministry, he finds himself fending off what looks like an internal revolt.
The case raises broader questions about governance, political interference, and transparency in public service appointments. It also shows how fragile institutional leadership can be—even in sectors tasked with building the future.
What’s Next
The court will hear the case between Kamanguya and the ICT Authority Board on July 7. Until then, the temporary orders stand. No discussions. No dismissal.
For now, the ICT Authority remains under the leadership of a CEO caught in legal limbo. But as this ICT Authority CEO court case unfolds, it’s clear the outcome will shape more than just one man’s career—it could influence the direction of Kenya’s digital transformation itself.
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