New Era at NCPB as CPA Samuel Karogo Ndung’u Takes Charge as CEO

 By Wasike Elvis

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has officially unveiled CPA Samuel Karogo Ndung’u as its new Chief Executive Officer following a competitive recruitment process that received concurrence from the parent Ministry.

The announcement was made on Monday, June 9, 2026, during a ceremony led by the NCPB Board of Directors under the leadership of Board Chairman Mr. John Thongori. He was accompanied by fellow Board Directors Mr. William Kirwa, Ms. Winnie Beauttah, and Mr. Jonah Marindich, who welcomed the new CEO and expressed confidence in his ability to steer the organization toward greater growth and operational excellence.

CPA Ndung’u assumes the substantive position after serving as the Acting Managing Director, a role in which he provided leadership and continuity during a critical period for the institution. His appointment follows a rigorous and transparent recruitment process aimed at identifying the most qualified candidate to lead the state corporation in fulfilling its mandate of supporting food security and agricultural development in Kenya.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Board Chairman Mr. Thongori congratulated CPA Ndung’u on his appointment and noted that the Board was confident in his leadership capabilities, extensive experience, and understanding of the organization's operations.

"The Board is pleased to officially introduce CPA Samuel Karogo Ndung’u as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Cereals and Produce Board. His appointment follows a competitive recruitment process and reflects the Board's commitment to ensuring strong leadership and good governance within the institution," said Mr. Thongori.

The Chairman further emphasized the critical role NCPB continues to play in safeguarding the country's strategic grain reserves, stabilizing markets for farmers, and supporting the government's food security agenda.

Directors present at the event echoed the Board's confidence in the new CEO, highlighting his institutional knowledge and proven leadership record during his tenure as Acting Managing Director.

In his acceptance remarks, CPA Ndung’u expressed gratitude to the Board and the parent Ministry for the confidence bestowed upon him. He pledged to work closely with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to strengthen the Board's operational efficiency and enhance service delivery to farmers and consumers.

"I am honored by the trust placed in me to lead this important institution. I look forward to working with the Board, employees, farmers, government agencies, and development partners to advance NCPB's mandate and contribute to Kenya's food security objectives," he said.

He noted that strengthening grain management systems, improving operational efficiency, leveraging technology, and fostering stronger partnerships with farmers would be among his key priorities.

The National Cereals and Produce Board remains a cornerstone institution in Kenya's agricultural sector, responsible for strategic grain reserves management, market stabilization, and supporting farmers through grain purchasing and storage services. The Board also plays a vital role in implementing government interventions aimed at enhancing food security and ensuring sustainable agricultural production.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed CPA Ndung’u's appointment, expressing optimism that his leadership will help accelerate ongoing reforms and position the organization to effectively respond to emerging challenges within the agricultural sector.

As he takes over the helm, expectations remain high that the new Chief Executive Officer will build on existing achievements while driving innovation, efficiency, and accountability within the organization.

His appointment marks a new chapter for the National Cereals and Produce Board as it continues to support Kenya's agricultural transformation agenda and strengthen national food security for the benefit of farmers and consumers alike.