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MERCY WANJAU
SECRETARY TO THE CABINET, THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
In the realm of leadership, there are a select few individuals whose extraordinary journeys epitomise fortitude, excellence, and an unwavering dedication to progress. Among these exceptional trailblazers stands Mercy Wanjau, Secretary to the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya.
With a career that spans over two decades, Mrs Wanjau has emerged as an indomitable force in the domains of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) regulation and governance, leaving an indelible mark both nationally and internationally.
Mrs Wanjau’s educational journey mirrors her relentless pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence. With a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Commercial Law from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa, she has solidified her foundation as a legal luminary.
Moreover, Mrs Wanjau’s commitment to continuous learning and professional growth is evident in her impressive array of qualifications. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in the Regulation of Telecommunications from the esteemed University of Westminster in the United Kingdom (UK), a Certificate in Advanced Management Programme from the renowned Strathmore Business School (SBS), and a Digital Governance Programme certification from the prestigious Oxford University, UK.
Mrs Wanjau began as a Legal Associate at Muthoga Gaturu & Company and Kirundi & Company. Subsequently, she assumed the role of Legal and Tax Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), delving into the intricacies of cross-border business and regulatory affairs, and gaining invaluable insights that further enriched her expertise.
In 2001, Mrs Wanjau entered the public sector and joined the Legal Services Department of Kenya’s ICT Sector Regulator, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), climbing the ranks to become the Director of Legal Services. Through her dedicated service in various capacities within the department, she played a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory agenda of the ICT sector, laying the groundwork for Kenya’s emergence as a leading digital hub in Africa.
Years later, Mrs Wanjau assumed the role of acting Director General (DG)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CA from August 2019 to September 2021. In this capacity, she steered the organisation’s operations with precision and fostered an environment of innovation and growth. Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, she ensured business continuity, unwavering service delivery, and robust regulatory responsiveness.
In recognition of her distinguished and outstanding service in the ICT sector, she was feted with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2020.
October 27, 2022 saw Mrs Wanjau appointed by President William Ruto as the first female Secretary to the Cabinet of the Republic of Kenya, a role established under Article 154 of the 2010 Kenyan Constitution. She also became the second State Officer to assume responsibilities in the Cabinet Office since its inception.
In line with the 5th Administration’s digital transformation agenda and to leave a lasting impact on the Cabinet Office, Mrs Wanjau facilitated Kenya’s inaugural paperless Cabinet meeting on January 31, 2023. This milestone signifies a pivotal shift towards efficiency and embraces the digital era.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy (MICDE) and ICT Authority (ICTA), the Cabinet Office played a vital role in providing a digital signature to HE the President. This initiative has since been extended to all Cabinet members, streamlining Cabinet operations securely and expeditiously.
Mrs Wanjau’s experience transcends national boundaries. She undertook an international secondment in 2005 at the United Nations International Telecommunications Union (UN-ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland, solidifying her reputation as a leader with a truly global outlook. She is also an Eisenhower Fellow. Her contributions as an author to publications by the UN-ITU and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have further solidified her standing as an expert and scholar with a global reach.
Mrs Wanjau holds extensive board and advisory committee experience. She served as Chairperson of the Taskforce for the Development of a Data Protection and Privacy Framework for Kenya (2018), which culminated in the establishment of the Data Protection Act (2019). She also served as Chair of the UN-ITU’s Global Symposium of Regulators (2021), and Chair of the COVID ICT Sector Advisory Committee (2020), among other notable positions.
Mrs Wanjau holds memberships in prestigious Kenyan organisations, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) of Kenya, and the Institute of Directors (IoD) Kenya.
As a true business thought leader, Mrs Wanjau continues to be a driving force behind the nation’s progress, leading with unwavering determination and an unyielding commitment to the betterment of Kenya.