📅 February 09, 2026
👤 Admin
Charles Mahinda Appointed Chairperson of Competition Authority of Kenya
President William Ruto has appointed veteran civil servant Charles Mahinda as the new Chairperson of the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), marking a leadership transition at the country’s key anti-trust and consumer protection regulator.
Mr Mahinda takes over from Shaka Kariuki, whose term officially came to an end. His appointment was made in December, and he will serve in a non-executive capacity for a three-year term, where his primary role will be to convene and lead board meetings that guide policy direction, enforcement priorities, and governance at the authority.
Extensive Experience in Public Policy and Industrial Development
In announcing the appointment, CAK highlighted Mr Mahinda’s over 30 years of experience in public service, particularly in industrial development, international trade, and public policy formulation at both national and regional levels.
“He brings to the authority over three decades of distinguished experience in, among other areas, industrial development, international trade and public policy formulation within the government of Kenya and regional institutions,” the regulator said.
Before assuming the CAK role, Mr Mahinda served as a technical adviser to the Cabinet Secretaries for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and for Trade and Industry. He has also previously held the position of Director of Industries at the Ministry of Trade, where he played a key role in shaping Kenya’s industrial policy agenda.
Notably, he was the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), an institution central to Kenya’s push to attract investment, boost exports, and promote manufacturing-led growth.
Regional Impact and Trade Policy Leadership
Mr Mahinda is widely credited with contributing to the formulation of major policy frameworks, including the Industrial Masterplan and the Industrialisation Framework for both Kenya and the East African Community (EAC).
According to CAK, his leadership extended to regional and global trade negotiations, where he served as a member of the national standing committee on trade negotiations.
“His leadership contributed positively towards enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness and industrial growth, including championing improved market access for Kenyan goods in regional and global markets,” the authority noted.
This background positions him well to oversee CAK at a time when competition policy is increasingly intersecting with industrial policy, digital markets, and regional trade integration.
End of Shaka Kariuki’s Tenure
Mr Mahinda replaces Shaka Kariuki, who assumed office in February 2023 following the revocation of the appointment of Nelson Ndirangu, who had served as chairperson since 2019.
CAK credited Mr Kariuki’s tenure with delivering significant reforms and institutional strengthening, particularly in governance and regulatory oversight.
“Mr Kariuki spearheaded improved oversight measures aimed at ensuring accountable and transparent expenditure of the authority’s resources, including prioritising enterprise risk management and business continuity,” CAK said.
Under his leadership, the authority also oversaw key revisions to the Competition Act, expanding CAK’s enforcement powers—especially in digital markets, an area that had previously fallen outside the regulator’s effective reach.
Kariuki’s Corporate and Investment Background
Beyond his public service at CAK, Mr Kariuki has held senior roles in the private sector. He has served as a director and chair on multiple boards, including TransCentury, Desert First Credit Union, and NAS Foods in Ethiopia. He is also the co-chief executive of Kurano Capital, an investment firm he co-founded.
Mr Mahinda takes over from Shaka Kariuki, whose term officially came to an end. His appointment was made in December, and he will serve in a non-executive capacity for a three-year term, where his primary role will be to convene and lead board meetings that guide policy direction, enforcement priorities, and governance at the authority.
Extensive Experience in Public Policy and Industrial Development
In announcing the appointment, CAK highlighted Mr Mahinda’s over 30 years of experience in public service, particularly in industrial development, international trade, and public policy formulation at both national and regional levels.
“He brings to the authority over three decades of distinguished experience in, among other areas, industrial development, international trade and public policy formulation within the government of Kenya and regional institutions,” the regulator said.
Before assuming the CAK role, Mr Mahinda served as a technical adviser to the Cabinet Secretaries for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and for Trade and Industry. He has also previously held the position of Director of Industries at the Ministry of Trade, where he played a key role in shaping Kenya’s industrial policy agenda.
Notably, he was the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), an institution central to Kenya’s push to attract investment, boost exports, and promote manufacturing-led growth.
Regional Impact and Trade Policy Leadership
Mr Mahinda is widely credited with contributing to the formulation of major policy frameworks, including the Industrial Masterplan and the Industrialisation Framework for both Kenya and the East African Community (EAC).
According to CAK, his leadership extended to regional and global trade negotiations, where he served as a member of the national standing committee on trade negotiations.
“His leadership contributed positively towards enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness and industrial growth, including championing improved market access for Kenyan goods in regional and global markets,” the authority noted.
This background positions him well to oversee CAK at a time when competition policy is increasingly intersecting with industrial policy, digital markets, and regional trade integration.
End of Shaka Kariuki’s Tenure
Mr Mahinda replaces Shaka Kariuki, who assumed office in February 2023 following the revocation of the appointment of Nelson Ndirangu, who had served as chairperson since 2019.
CAK credited Mr Kariuki’s tenure with delivering significant reforms and institutional strengthening, particularly in governance and regulatory oversight.
“Mr Kariuki spearheaded improved oversight measures aimed at ensuring accountable and transparent expenditure of the authority’s resources, including prioritising enterprise risk management and business continuity,” CAK said.
Under his leadership, the authority also oversaw key revisions to the Competition Act, expanding CAK’s enforcement powers—especially in digital markets, an area that had previously fallen outside the regulator’s effective reach.
Kariuki’s Corporate and Investment Background
Beyond his public service at CAK, Mr Kariuki has held senior roles in the private sector. He has served as a director and chair on multiple boards, including TransCentury, Desert First Credit Union, and NAS Foods in Ethiopia. He is also the co-chief executive of Kurano Capital, an investment firm he co-founded.