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Atwoli’s wife Mary Kilobi sworn in to new govt position
08th September, 2026 07:04 PM
Veteran journalist Mary Kilobi, the wife of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, has been sworn in as a member of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC).
Kilobi was among officials sworn into their new positions at State House on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, alongside other appointees.
Her swearing-in marks the latest step in her transition from the media industry into public service after President William Ruto nominated her to serve on the committee in July 2026.
Kilobi was among seven nominees selected for positions on the IGRTC, following a competitive recruitment process in which she was among 65 candidates shortlisted for interviews to fill seven vacancies.
What is Kilobi’s new role?
The Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee is a statutory body established under the Intergovernmental Relations Act, 2012, to strengthen cooperation between the national government and Kenya’s 47 county governments.
As a member, Kilobi will be involved in supporting coordination between the two levels of government and facilitating the implementation of devolution.
The committee also plays a role in facilitating consultation between the national and county governments, resolving intergovernmental disputes and harmonising policies and operations.
It also supports the transfer of functions and resources between the national government and counties, making it an important institution in Kenya’s devolved system of governance.
From journalism to public service
Kilobi’s appointment adds a new chapter to a career that has largely been associated with journalism and broadcasting.
She began her journalism career in 2005 as an intern at Uganda Broadcasting Corporation before working as a producer, editor and news anchor.
She later returned to Kenya and joined KTN, where she worked as a Swahili news anchor and reporter and hosted the weekend programme KTN Leo Wikendi.
Beyond television, Kilobi is also an author and motivational speaker. She has written Jifunze Kiswahili, a Kiswahili learning book available in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Her nomination to the IGRTC came after she was shortlisted and interviewed for the position earlier in the year. The appointment therefore represents a shift from her established career in media to a role focused on intergovernmental coordination and devolution.
Kilobi will now join the committee as it works to strengthen cooperation between Kenya’s national and county governments.
Her swearing-in also formally ushers her into public service, following months of selection and nomination for the position.
