The United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi released a statement ahead of the vetting process for Cabinet Secretary nominees. The National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments has scheduled the vetting process for four days, from Thursday to Sunday.
In a post on X, the US Embassy emphasized the importance of integrity in public service as the vetting process approaches. They encouraged the vetting committee to consider Chapter Six of the Kenyan Constitution, which outlines the requirements for leadership and integrity.
"As Kenyans look ahead to the vetting of Cabinet nominees beginning today, we recognize the importance of integrity in public service and the National Assembly’s vital role in upholding Chapter Six of Kenya’s Constitution,” the Embassy wrote on X.
The issue of academic qualifications for Hassan Ali Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya has come under scrutiny. According to the Committee on Appointments’ Vetting Programme, the vetting process is set to begin on Thursday, with the nominee for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kithure Kindiki, first on the agenda. Following him will be Debra Barasa, nominated for the Ministry of Health, and Alice Wahome, nominated for the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development.
The committee will then interview Julius Ogamba, the nominee for the Ministry of Education, and Soipan Tuya, nominated for the Ministry of Defence, from 3 PM to 5 PM.
On Friday, the nominees scheduled for vetting include Andrew Karanja (Agriculture), Aden Duale (Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry), and Eric Muuga (Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation). Additionally, Davis Chirchir (Roads and Transport) and Margaret Ndung’u (Information, Community and Technology) will also face the vetting committee.
Saturday’s session will begin with the vetting of National Treasury and Planning nominee John Mbadi, followed by Salim Mvurya, who is nominated to head the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry. Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), and Kipchumba Murkomen (Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports) are also on the schedule.
The final day of vetting, Sunday, will start with Hassan Ali Joho, nominated for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. Alfred Mutua, nominated for the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, will follow. The session will conclude with Wycliffe Oparanya, Justin Muturi, and Stella Soi Lang’at, nominated for the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development, and Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage, respectively.
