President William Ruto has established three hiring panels to address upcoming vacancies in several key constitutional commissions and independent offices.
The terms for the chairpersons and members of four constitutional bodies are nearing expiration. Lyn Mengich, chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), will conclude her six-year term, having been appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 13, 2018. She was sworn in alongside commissioners Amani Yuda, John Monyoncho, Leah Mumbua, Margret Sawe, Elizabeth Muchiri, and Peris Ashubwe. After her departure, the SRC will be left with only two members, Abdullahi Abdi and Phyllis Wagacha.
Florence Kajuju, chairperson of the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman), will also complete her term, along with two other commission members. Joyce Mutinda, chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), and one other member are also set to leave their positions.
Anne Makori, who leads the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), is also nearing the end of her term, and there is a vacancy for seven members at the authority.
To manage these transitions, President Ruto has appointed selection panels to recruit new chairpersons and members for these commissions and offices. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei stated that these panels were formed in accordance with the law and include nominees from various professional bodies, institutions, and state offices.
The SRC recruitment panel includes Joshua Wambua from the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa, Patrick Mtange from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and Monica Sifuna from the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis. Other nominating bodies include the Parliamentary Service Commission, Public Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Teachers Service Commission, National Police Service Commission, Defence Council, and the Senate.
The panel for the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) will include Edwin Makori from APSEA, Zena Atetwe from the disability council, Jasper Mbiuki from the President’s office, Susan Chelagat from the AG’s office, Patrick Wamoto, and Joan Machayo from the Public Service Commission.
For NGEC, the team includes Florence Nyole from APSEA, Timothy Odongo from Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Lerina Kariringah from the disabilities council, Linda Musumba from the Executive Office of the President, Janet Kung’u from the AG’s office, Maimuna Mwidau from the gender ministry, Reuben Chirchir, and Mary Waindi from PSC.
The IPOA panel will consist of Arthur Osiya from EOP, Justice Msagha Mbogoli from the JSC, Joyce Nyabuti from PSC, Monica Muiru from EACC, Raymond Nyeris from KNCHR, and Caroline Naikena from NGEC.
Koskei encouraged qualified Kenyans to apply for these positions once the applications are opened and to submit memoranda on the suitability of shortlisted candidates.
