National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has set an April 22, 2025, deadline for departmental committees to complete the vetting process and table reports on President Ruto’s nominees for Principal Secretary positions.
This directive signals the beginning of a crucial parliamentary process to determine whether the nominees will assume their roles in government.
In an official communication, Wetang’ula acknowledged receiving the list of nominees through a gazette notice dated March 20, 2025.
He directed the respective committees to commence approval hearings in line with 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 directive follows a resolution passed on February 13, 2025, which allows the Speaker to refer presidential nominations to the relevant committees during a House recess without recalling the entire Assembly.
The list of nominees includes Jane Imbunya for the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development and Regina Akoth Ombam for the State Department for Trade.
Cyrell Odede has been nominated for the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management, while former Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Kangu has been proposed for the State Department for East African Community Affairs.
Former KMPDU Secretary General and defunct NMS Health boss Fredrick Ouma Oluga has been nominated for the State Department for Medical Services, with Ahmed Ibrahim named 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 proposed for the State Department for Devolution and the State Department for Youth, respectively, while Carren Achieng has been put forward for the State Department for Children Welfare Services.
Following this, Speaker Wetang’ula directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to inform all legislators of the development.
“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.
In response, Clerk Samuel Njoroge issued a schedule for the vetting process, announcing that the hearings would take place from Friday, April 4, 2025, to April 7, 2025, with nominees expected to appear before the relevant committees.
The nominees scheduled for vetting 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 undergo vetting.
Additionally, the Clerk invited members of the public to submit representations regarding the nominees' suitability.
In accordance with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and Section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, individuals contesting a nominee’s suitability must submit written statements on oath, supported by evidence.
These submissions must reach the Office of the Clerk by 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 are required to present original identification documents, academic and professional certificates, and other relevant testimonials during the hearings.
They must also provide 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.