National Assembly sets April 22 deadline for vetting reports on Ruto’s PS nominees
The directive paves the way for a parliamentary process that will determine whether the nominees will take up their respective positions in government.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has directed departmental committees to vet and table reports on President William Ruto’s nominees for Principal Secretary positions by April 22, 2025.
The directive paves the way for a parliamentary process that will determine whether the nominees will take up their respective positions in government.
In a communication from the chair, Wetang’ula confirmed receiving the names of the nominees, which were submitted to Parliament through a gazette notice dated March 20, 2025. He consequently directed the relevant committees to conduct approval hearings following parliamentary procedures.
“The respective Committees to which the nominations have been referred are expected to immediately commence the approval process and, thereafter, table their reports on or before Tuesday, April 22, 2025,” Speaker Wetang’ula stated.
This move follows a resolution passed on February 13, 2025, allowing the Speaker to refer any nomination from the President or other offices in the National Executive to the relevant committee during the House’s recess without recalling the entire Assembly.
The list of nominees includes Jane Imbunya, nominated as the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, and Regina Akoth Ombam, who, if approved, is set to take up the role in the State Department for Trade. Cyrell Odede has been proposed for the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management, while former Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Kangu has been nominated for the State Department for East African Community Affairs.
The President has also put forward former Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Union (KMPDU) Secretary General and defunct NMS Health boss Fredrick Ouma Oluga as his choice for the State Department for Medical Services, with Ahmed Ibrahim lined up for the State Department for National Government Coordination.
Other nominees include Judith Pareno for the State Department for Justice, Human Rights, and Constitutional Affairs, Boniface Makokha for Economic Planning, and Stephen Isaboke for the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications.
Michael Lenasalon and Fikirini Jacobs have been selected for the State Department for Devolution and the State Department for Youth, respectively, while Carren Achieng has been nominated as the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children's Welfare Services.
Approval hearings
Following this, Speaker Wetang’ula ordered the Clerk of the National Assembly to notify legislators of the message.
“The clerk of the National Assembly is hereby required to transmit this Notification to all Members of the National Assembly and facilitate the Committees to undertake the necessary approval hearings on the nominees referred to them for consideration,” Wetang’ula said.
Subsequently, Samuel Njoroge, Clerk of the National Assembly, released a schedule for the vetting process, announcing that the approval hearings would begin on Friday, April 4, 2025, and end on April 7, 2025, with several nominees expected to appear before the relevant committees.
Those scheduled for vetting on April 4 include Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim, Stephen Isaboke, Abdulrazak Shaukat, Cyrell Odede, Boniface Makokha, Jane Kere Imbunya, Fredrick Oluga Ouma, Michael Lenasalon, Carren Ageng’o Achieng, Fikirini Katoi Kahindi Jacobs, Regina Akoth Ombam, and Aden Abdi Millah. On Monday, April 7, 2025, Caroline Wanjiru Karugu and Judith Nayaiai Pareno will also be vetted by their respective committees.
Additionally, the Clerk has invited members of the public to submit any representations they may have regarding the suitability of the nominees.
In compliance with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, those wishing to contest a nominee’s suitability must provide written statements on oath supported by evidence. The submissions must be received by the Office of the Clerk on or before Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 5 pm.
“They can be hand-delivered to the Main Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, sent by mail, or emailed to the provided address,” reads the notice by the Clerk.
Nominees will be required to present themselves for the hearings with original identification documents, academic and professional certificates, and other relevant testimonials.
They must also obtain clearance certificates from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, and a recognized Credit Reference Bureau.
Top Stories Today
