NAIROBI, Kenya- It’s recess time for most, but not for Parliament’s Committee on Appointments.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has recalled the team to vet Cabinet Secretary nominees appointed by President William Ruto.
The Speaker has set January 15, 2025, as the deadline for the committee to submit its report—a timeline that ensures the legislative process keeps up with the clock.
The list of nominees features big names from Kenya’s political and administrative spheres. Former Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has been tapped for the Agriculture docket, while former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo is the pick for ICT.
Adding to the mix is former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, who is poised to oversee Investment and Trade.
In addition to these heavyweights, Wetang’ula has directed the Departmental Committee on Labour to assess candidates for the Public Service Commission.
Notable names here include Mary Wanjira Kimonye as Vice-Chairperson, alongside Harun Maalim Hassan and Dr. Irene Cherotich Asienga as members.
Meanwhile, the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations is tasked with vetting diplomatic appointments.
Among these are Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u, nominated as High Commissioner to Accra, and Ababu Namwamba, slated to represent Kenya as the Permanent Representative to UNEP in Nairobi.
Wetang’ula’s instructions underscore the importance of adhering to the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, which requires thorough vetting before nominees assume office.
“Committees are authorized to convene during recess to ensure all appointments meet constitutional and legislative requirements,” the Speaker emphasized.
Special sittings of the National Assembly will follow the committee vetting, with Wetang’ula promising timely notifications for members.
To streamline the process, Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge has been tasked with ensuring smooth logistics and compliance with procedural timelines.
This process, as Wetang’ula stated, is critical to ensuring transparency and accountability in key national appointments.
