As the new year approaches, the National Assembly is set to embark on a critical process concerning the vetting of presidential nominees for various governmental positions.
Members of the public are being encouraged to voice their opinions, particularly concerning the suitability of these nominees.
In a December 28, 2024, announcement from the Clerk of the National Assembly, the public has been formally invited to submit written statements on oath (affidavits) along with supporting evidence contesting the suitability of any of the nominees.
These submissions must be sent to:
Clerk of the National Assembly, P.O BOX 41842-0100 Nairobi, or via email at [email protected]. The deadline for submissions is January 3, 2025, at 5 PM.
The call for public input follows a notification from President William Ruto delivered to the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on December 20, 2024.
This notification included the nomination of individuals for key public offices, including cabinet secretaries and ambassadorial roles.
A notice issued by the Clerk of the National Assembly on December 24 was widely circulated through various media channels, ensuring that the message reached a broad audience.
“In compliance with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Cap 7 F), the said Memoranda…are to be forwarded to the Clerk of the National Assembly…to be received on or before January 3, 2025, by 5 pm,” the notice reads.
The vetting process for cabinet secretary nominees is scheduled to occur on January 14, 2025.
The hearings will take place in the Mini Chamber, 1st Floor, County Hall at the Parliament Buildings, according to the announced agenda.
The nominees include:
1. Mutahi Kagwe for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development at 12:00 pm.
2. William Kabogo for the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy at 3:00 pm.
3. Lee Kinyanjui for the Ministry of Trade Industry & Cooperatives at 5:00 pm.
Additionally, candidates for ambassadorial positions will also undergo approval hearings.
Notable nominees for diplomatic roles include:
1. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u for Accra, Ghana.
2. Dr. Andrew Karanja for Brasília, Brazil.
3. Ababu Namwamba for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) located in Nairobi.
4. Noor Gabow for Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The vetting process is a key component of parliamentary oversight, ensuring that only qualified candidates assume significant governmental roles.
The National Assembly, in accordance with its procedures, will hold special sittings to consider the Committee Report following the public input and approval hearings.
Citizens are reminded that their voices matter in shaping the leadership of the country, and the deadline for submissions is just a week away.
As this important process unfolds, the National Assembly encourages transparency and public engagement, reaffirming the vital role of the electorate in the democratic process.
President William Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, as announced in a Gazette notice on December 19, 2024.
