Why we rejected Gender CS nominee Stella Soi – Committee on Appointments

The National Assembly Committee on Appointments has outlined six reasons why it rejected the nomination of Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Stella Soi Lang'at.

In its report on Wednesday, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula, who also serves as the chairperson of the committee, highlighted that Lang'at did not demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the topical, administrative, and technical issues relevant to the portfolio.

“The nominee lacked the requisite abilities, and qualities to be approved for appointment to the office of Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, The Arts and Heritage. She failed to demonstrate adequate knowledge of topical, administrative and technical issues touching on the ministry for which she has been nominated,” reads the report.

The committee also criticised Lang'at's inability to adequately address queries concerning the docket.

“The nominee is unsuitable for the position as she was unable to respond in a satisfactory manner to the queries raised during the approval hearing relating to Gender, Heritage and Culture.”

Among the questions Lang'at was asked included; how she would navigate the challenges in the implementation of the two-thirds gender principle in Kenya.

In her response, Lang'at pointed out that the principle is enshrined in the Constitution and that the National Gender and Equality Commission has relevant initiatives.

However, her answers were deemed unsatisfactory.

Stella Soi Lang’at, Gender CS nominee takes an oath before appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Sunday, August 4, 2024. (Photo: Parliament)

On the issue of eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages, Lang'at attributed these problems to poverty and suggested that empowering men would help address FGM.

She argued that the support of male figures is crucial for the progression and empowerment of girls.

Lang'at also mentioned that tackling femicide requires research on mental health issues, counselling, and community engagement. She suggested that the empowerment of girls is hindered by the involvement of boys in drugs or femicide and pledged to collaborate with stakeholders, including the police and the Witness Protection Agency.

Despite her responses, the committee found her answers lacking and underscored the Ministry's strategic importance in overseeing national policies and services.

“The Ministry is strategically important and is tasked with overseeing critical national policies and services,” the committee observed.

Further, the committee said the nominee's experience in the public service is marked by frequent job transitions in various roles. According to the committee, all six different postings that the nominee has held do not require any long-term strategic planning.

“As a result, she has not become grounded in any specific leadership role in the public service,” reads the report.

During the vetting process, Lang'at was questioned about her frequent moves across ministries without notable promotions and often for short periods.

In her response, she explained that staff rotation is a common practice in public service, with employees typically serving in a single position for no more than three years. She also mentioned that career progression requires specific training and capacity-building programmes.

She said her career path reflects this system of rotation and the necessary training to advance through various job grades.

Speaker Moses Wetangula and his deputy Gladys Boss and other members of the National Assembly Committee on Appointments vet Cooperatives CS nominee Wycliffe Oparanya on Sunday, August 4, 2024. (Photo: Parliament)

The committee emphasised that the ministry requires leadership with a strong strategic vision, cultural sensitivity, and an in-depth understanding of policy management.

They also noted that the head of the Ministry must be an effective communicator, innovative, and committed to promoting cultural heritage and gender equality.

However, the nominee failed to exhibit any of these qualities to the committee's satisfaction.

19 other CS nominees who appeared before the committee were approved. These were;