Senate rejects proposal to remove timelines for vetting of public officials
By Arnold Ngure, July 24, 2025The Senate has rejected a proposed bill seeking to scrap the 28-day time limit within which Parliament must vet nominees for public appointments.
In a decision made during the Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Committee, chaired on Thursday, July 24, 2025, by Vice-chairperson Senator Veronica Maina, the senators rejected the proposal, stating that it would open avenues for abuse.
The proposed amendment (The Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) (Amendment) Bill, 2025) was sponsored by Senator Okong’o Mogeni.
Key provisions in law
It sought to repeal key provisions in the current law, including the set timeline for vetting, the deemed approval clause upon lapse of time, and the extension of vetting period by the National Assembly.
During the session, strong opposition was voiced by several members. Senator Tom Ojienda observed that the proposal would only work well in developed democracies with political responsibility.
“I totally reject this proposal. This works in the USA and South Africa because they have political responsibility, something that we lack here. Depending on the perceived affiliation of a nominee, they may not be vetted. And we don’t want a situation where people are appointed without vetting,” Ojienda said.
Mischievous proposal
Senator Dan Maanzo echoed the concerns, stating that the proposal was mischievous and would make nominees evade vetting.
“This proposal is mischievous. Even the Supreme Court has timelines. Without vetting, a nominee is straightaway appointed at the lapse of the time, and we don’t want such a situation. Indeed, the Senate should be involved in vetting, not the National Assembly alone,” Maanzo said.
Senator Maina emphasized the constitutional safeguards embedded in the current structure, stating that timelines are everywhere in the Constitution, and that to remove the timeline would be ill-informed.
Having concluded its deliberations, the Committee resolved to reject the proposal and will submit its comments to the Speaker of the Senate by the stipulated deadline of July 31, 2025, as required under Standing Order 130.