Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has appointed Esther Njeri Ngari as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

Ngari’s appointment is in a special gazette notice dated October 13, 2023.

“The Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry appoints Esther Njeri Ngari to be the chief executive officer for a period of three years with effect October 13, 2023,” reads in part the Gazette notice.

Ngari was one of eight individuals interviewed by the National Standards Council (NSC) for the role.

She was among the top three candidates recommended by the Council to the Cabinet Secretary for appointment.

In the minutes excerpt provided by the Council, Ngari had secured the second-highest position among the candidates, amassing a score of 77.2.

Moses Osudi Otoa topped the ranking as the number one candidate with a score of 78.78.

Ngari’s appointment to the CEO post occurred subsequent to the removal of the former head, Bernard Njiriani, who, along with 27 other employees, was dismissed by President William Ruto in the aftermath of the contaminated sugar scandal that had been released into the market.

The suspended officials are suspected to have been responsible for the disappearance of 20,000 to 50-kilogram bags of sugar that were declared unsuitable for human consumption.

After the suspension, Ngari had been temporarily holding the position in an acting capacity.