Mr. Charles W. Mahinda, MBS was appointed as the Chairperson of its Board of Directors on 11th December, 2025. 

Mr. Mahinda brings to the Authority over three decades of distinguished experience in, among other areas, industrial development, international trade, and public policy formulation within the Government of Kenya and regional institutions.

Prior to his appointment, he served in several senior leadership roles, including founder CEO of the Special Economic Zones Authority and Director of Industries, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives. Between June 2018 and October 2022, he was a technical adviser in the Ministries responsible for agriculture, industrialization, trade, and cooperatives.

His leadership has contributed positively toward enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness and industrial growth, including as a member of the National Standing Committee on Trade Negotiations where he championed improving market access for Kenyan goods in regional and global markets.

Mr. Mahinda has supported development of key national policies and legislative frameworks such as the Special Economic Zones Act, 2015, Kenya Industrial Master Plan, the National Industrialization Policy Framework, and the EAC Industrialization Policy and Strategy. Additionally, he has served on several boards including the Kenya Anti-Counterfeit Authority and the East African Portland Cement Company and a committee member of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers.