CS Hassan Joho blames conflicting advisories for delay in appointing fisheries boss

Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho appears before the National Assembly Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee at Bunge Towers, Nairobi, on June 17, 2025. (Photo: National Assembly)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Wednesday, June 18, 2025

MPs questioned why the process appeared to have stalled, who was truly in charge, and whether due process was being followed. CS Joho insisted the final decision lies with him.

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Hassan Joho, has blamed conflicting advisories for the unresolved renewal of the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) director-general’s contract, nearly nine months after a formal recommendation was made.

Appearing before the National Assembly's Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee on June 17, CS Joho was questioned over the delay in confirming whether Director-General Daniel Mungai, whose contract expires in October, would continue leading the agency.

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CS Joho explained that Mungai had written to the KeFS board six months before his term ended, requesting a second four-year term.

“Six months before the expiry of his contract, Mungai wrote to Col. (Rtd.) Noor Musa, Chairperson of the KeFS Board of Directors, expressed interest in having his contract renewed for a further four years,” said Joho, in response to Mwingi West MP, Charles Nguna, who had requested a detailed explanation on why the succession process had stalled, despite clear communication from the board.

He told the committee that on July 22, 2024, the board recommended Mungai’s renewal to the then-acting CS and Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, who supported it.

But shortly after, a conflicting advisory from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary rejected the renewal and directed that Mungai’s term end by October 5, 2024, with a recruitment process to follow.

"It is worth noting that the Board sought the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s advice in filling the position of Director-General in disregard of guidance from the then Cabinet Secretary. That advisory clearly stated that the Ministry would not renew the contract of the incumbent Director-General and advised the Board to conclude Mungai’s tenure by October 5, 2024, with the Ministry expected to provide modalities for recruiting a successor," said CS Joho.

The CS added that Salim Mvurya, who later took over the docket, extended Mungai’s stay by six months and instructed the board to advertise the position. On February 21, 2025, the board and the director-general’s office sought guidance from the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC), which approved the advertisement on March 4. But six days later, it was withdrawn to allow further consultations.

MPs questioned why the process appeared to have stalled, who was truly in charge, and whether due process was being followed. Joho insisted the final decision lies with him.

“The decision ultimately rests with me as the Cabinet Secretary. I urge this committee to support my directive to re-advertise the position and ensure it is filled through a fair and competitive process,” he said. “I want to persuade this committee that we work together to ensure that this is a level playing field for everybody. There are many young Kenyans who have the capacity and should be allowed to apply.”

According to committee chairperson Kangogo Bowen, Parliament would now seek independent advice to determine the legal standing of each player involved. “As a way forward, we need to get an independent advisory opinion from the Office of the Attorney General on the legal ramifications, as well as consult the Board, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, and the State Corporations Advisory Committee so that we can prepare a conclusive report,” said Bowen.