The County Assembly of Murang’a has vetted four nominees to the County Public Service Board.
However, the former TCS CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia who had initially been proposed to chair the Board, declined the offer, citing engagement in other duties of greater importance.
In a letter addressed to governor Irungu Kang’ata, Dr. Macharia expressed fears that she could not deliver on the new mandate after securing a consultancy engagement with the World Bank, but expressed her gratitude for the nomination.
“I appreciate the governor and committee for nominating me as chairperson of the Public Service Board. However, due to the full-time nature of the role and my commitments to an international organization, I regret that I cannot fully dedicate myself to the position.” Read part of her letter.
Her withdrawal came just hours before the vetting exercise, which proceeded with the remaining nominees who were being considered for key roles in the County Public Service Board.
The nominees included Dr. Louis Mwende Musikali, Johnson Kang’ethe Kinyua, and Dr. Brian Lishenga Makamu, nominated to serve as board members, and Oscar Kimani Gathura, nominated as the board’s secretary.
The five were expected to appear before a joint committee composed of Governance, Labour and Social Welfare; and that of Justice & Legal Affairs.
Gathura, nominated for the position of Secretary to the Public Service Board, stated that if approved, his focus would be on ensuring smooth coordination of board activities and maintaining transparency.
“I will ensure that all board meetings are accurately documented, with proper records maintained, and that communication between the board and other county departments is efficient.
“I will also ensure that the decisions made by the board are effectively implemented and that all correspondence is handled promptly and professionally.” Gathura added.
The other prospective members of the Bord including Dr. Musikali, Kinyua, and Dr. Makamu, all pledged to uphold merit, integrity and transparency in the county’s human resource processes.
Dr. Musikali said she would champion fairness and inclusivity in staff recruitment, adding, “If approved, I will work to ensure that the board upholds merit-based recruitment, support staff capacity development and promotes fairness in public appointments.”
On his part, Kinyua focused on accountability, noting that he intends to support systems that reward productivity and discipline, while ensuring county staff deliver efficient services to the people.
Kariara MCA Gichobe Mbatia who chaired the vetting committee said the exercise was conducted professionally and in accordance with constitutional guidelines governing public appointments.
“We have interrogated the nominees thoroughly based on their academic qualifications, professional experience, and understanding of public service values. We are committed to ensuring only the most qualified and competent individuals serve in this crucial board,” said Gichobe.
The committee chair also raised concern over low public engagement in the vetting process, noting that only three sworn affidavits had been received by the Clerk’s office, all addressed to the nominee who later withdrew.
“While we welcome public involvement, this time there was a noticeable gap. We urge members of the public to actively participate in future vetting, as their input is vital in enhancing transparency and accountability,” he added.
The committee is expected to finalize and table its vetting report on Tuesday, July 1, when the Assembly reconvenes for a full sitting.
Once approved, the new members will join the continuing board members Stephen Macharia, Rebecca Kamande and Agnes Kiwara.
By Bernard Munyao and Amani Kutti
