CAK chairman reappointed for second term

Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed, Competition Authority of Kenya chairman David Ong’olo and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich during the launch of the Competition Authority’s strategic plan in Nairobi on December 10, 2013. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU

What you need to know:

  • “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 10 (1) (a) of the Competition Act, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury appoints David Otieno Ong’olo to be the chairman of the Competition Authority,” states the notice.

Mr David Ong’olo has been reappointed the chairman of the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) following the end of three-year term in January.

In a Gazette notice on Friday last week, National Treasury Secretary Henry Rotich announced his appointment, effective February 22, for three more years.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 10 (1) (a) of the Competition Act, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury appoints David Otieno Ong’olo to be the chairman of the Competition Authority,” states the notice.

Mr Ong’olo has chaired the organisation’s board since his appointment in 2012, he is touted to have unrivalled interest in competition policy and private sector development.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Nairobi and a master of science in industrial economics from Lancaster University in the U.K.

TOUGH TIMES

During his three-year tenure at the helm of the authority, he dealt with tough moments, including the depreciation of the shilling against the dollar, leading to a hike in general commodity prices. These resulted in restructure of competition practices.

“As part of these reforms the government modernised laws supportive of the competition process; the Restrictive Trade Practices, Monopolies and Price Control Act (RTP) was reviewed to strengthen the institutional frame work and ease the enforcement process,” said Mr Ong’olo in a statement.

Mr Ong’olo’s tenure saw the President shift all communication competition powers to the CAK, away from the Communications Authority in December. This quelled fears that new rules would be introduced to split M-Pesa from Safaricom as a result of its dominance in the sector.

The government’s representation on the board of the CAK comprises the National Treasury, the Attorney-General and the principal secretary to the Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism. Director-General Wang’ombe Kariuki is an ex-officio and secretary of the board.