As the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments prepares to scrutinize President William Ruto’s cabinet secretary nominees, all attention is focused on this pivotal process.
The committee is poised to undertake a rigorous four-day examination starting Thursday, under mounting pressure to possibly reject nominees, particularly those who held previous cabinet positions amid allegations of incompetence. Kenyans will closely observe whether transparency and accountability prevail.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, a committee member, emphasized a stringent vetting process: “This parliamentary session marks a departure from the norm. If someone lacks suitability, capability, or capacity, they will not pass. We owe it to Kenyans to perform our duties diligently this time.”
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi echoed this sentiment, pledging objectivity: “We will conduct thorough vetting together. I will maintain impartiality going forward.”
The 20-member committee has published a schedule detailing the appearance times for each of the 21 nominees, with at least four nominees slated for vetting daily. The public has until Wednesday to submit representations regarding any of the nominees.
Established under Standing Order No. 204, the committee is chaired by Speaker Moses Wetangula. Members include Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Deputy Leader Owen Baya, Minority Leader Robert Mbui, and additional members nominated based on party representation.
Vetting sessions will convene at the Mini-Chamber, County Hall, Parliament Buildings from 8 am onwards. Following hearings, the committee will compile detailed reports for each nominee, including recommendations for adoption or rejection, to be debated in the House.
Parliament has 28 days from the date of nomination notification to decide on each candidate. If no decision is reached within this period, the nominee is deemed approved. Approved names will then be forwarded to the president for appointment; rejected nominees require the president to propose new candidates.
The vetting schedule begins with Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki on August 1 at 8 am, followed by subsequent nominees throughout the week.
