Dr. Florence Munanie Makindi, the Chairperson of the Kitui County Public Service Board, On Tuesday, August 27, 2024 appeared before the Committee on Appointments to provide crucial insights into the interview and nomination process for Mr. Wilfred Nzyoki Kinundu, Ms. Judith N. Kasanga, and Mr. William Kitema Jedidah as nominees for the Kitui Municipal Board. Her testimony revealed significant procedural oversights that raised concerns among the members of the Committee.
During her presentation, Dr. Makindi explained that the Public Service Board’s actions were guided by a letter from Mr. Evans Mutemi, the Chief Officer for Urban Development, which outlined the intention to advertise the Municipal Board vacancies.
Importantly, Dr. Makindi clarified that the directive did not come from the Office of the Governor or the County Secretary, indicating a potential disconnect in the communication channels within the county government.
A critical point of contention during the session was the absence of the minutes detailing the candidates who met the nomination requirements. The Committee expressed concern that these minutes were not provided to the appointing authority, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of the selection process.
When asked about the availability of these minutes, Dr. Makindi could not confirm their existence, further fueling the Committee’s concerns.
One of the most alarming revelations was the fact that two of the nominees, Ms. Judith N. Kasanga and Mr. William Kitema Jedidah, were approved by the Board and had their names forwarded to the Governor despite lacking mandatory documents, such as a certificate of Good Conduct and clearance from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
This omission is particularly troubling in light of the requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which emphasizes the need for integrity and accountability in public appointments.
Hon. Speaker Kinengo Katisya voiced his dismay, stating, “You approved the candidates without the valid mandatory documents like the certificate of Good Conduct and Clearance from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) then forwarded the persons with questionable character to the Governor.It is evident that the Board misadvised the Governor because his work was just to pick the candidates based on their performance at the interview, yet they had no mandatory requirements in accordance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.”
Dr. Makindi acknowledged the Committee’s concerns and admitted that the Board had conducted interviews and forwarded the shortlisted names to the Governor without ensuring the availability of all mandatory documents.
She emphasized that the interviewees were instructed to bring all necessary documents, but the Board proceeded with the process despite the missing requirements.
In response to the interrogation, Dr. Makindi expressed her appreciation for the session and assured the Committee that the Public Service Board would strengthen its collaboration with the County Assembly.
She pledged to provide all necessary documents for review by the House and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to adhere to the ongoing oversight from the Assembly.
This session underscored the need for rigorous adherence to procedural guidelines in public appointments, ensuring that all candidates meet the constitutional and legal requirements before being considered for such critical positions.
Dr. Makindi’s commitment to improving the process is a positive step toward restoring confidence in the Public Service Board’s operations and ensuring that future appointments are conducted with the highest standards of transparency and integrity.
Ends///