The rigorous-highly intensive vetting exercise has today come to a halt on Sunday, August 4^th, 2024.The four-day exercise which include the weekend saw 20 nominees to the cabinet being vetted.

The National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments Chaired by Speaker, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has conducted the exercise which started on Thursday last week.

The grilling exercise enabled the Committee to cross examine the suitability of nominees to various portfolios. Those vetted include;

1.   Hon. (Prof.) Kithure Kindiki, PhD., EGH - Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.

2.   Dr. Debra Mlongo Barasa - Cabinet Secretary for Health.

3.   Hon. Alice Wahome, EGH – Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development.

4.   Mr. Julius Migos Ogamba - Cabinet Secretary for Education.

5.   Hon. Roselinda Soipan Tuya, EGH - Cabinet Secretary for Defence.

6.   Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja - Nominee CS, Agriculture & Livestock Development.

7.   Hon. Aden Barre Duale, EGH - Nominee CS, Environment, Climate Change & Forestry.

8.   Mr. Eric Murithi Mugaa - Nominee CS for Water, Sanitation & Irrigation.

9.   Mr. David Chirchir, EGH - Nominee CS for Roads & Transport.

10. Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u - Nominee CS for Information, Communication & the Digital Economy.

11. Hon. John Mbadi Ng'ongo, EGH - Nominee CS, The National Treasury and Economic Planning.

12. Hon. Salim Mvurya Mgala, EGH - Nominee CS, Investments, Trade & Industry.

13. Ms. Rebecca Miano, EGH- Nominee CS for Tourism & Wildlife.

14. Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi, EGH - Nominee CS for Energy & Petroleum.

15. Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen - Nominee CS for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports.

16. Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, EGH - Nominee CS, Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs.

17. Hon. (Dr.) Alfred Nganga Mutua, EGH - Nominee CS, Labour & Social Protection.

18. Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH- Nominee CS, Cooperatives and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development.

19. Hon. Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi, EGH - Nominee CS, Public Service & Human Capital Development.

20. Ms. Stella Soi Lang'at - Nominee CS, Gender, Culture, The Arts & Heritage.

While on the hot seat, Cabinet Secretary nominees had a tough time explaining their vision on a vast number of issues ranging from revamping the dwindling economy, stabilizing the health sector, streamlining the education sector, revenue creation and tourism management among others.

Today’s hearings admitted the Mining Cabinet Secretary nominee Hassan Ali Joho who outlined a 10-point plan he said he would use turn around the Ministry.

Labour immigration took center stage with the Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary nominee, Dr. Alfred Mutua who was the second nominee on the hot seat, promised to unravel the mystery of mistreatment of workers in foreign states especially those in the gulf.

He further pledged to address labour issues affecting workers that often leads to industrial action.

Cooperatives and MSMEs development Cabinet nominee Wycliffe Oparanya, was the third to be vetted by the panel as the exercise entered the fourth day.

Oparanya pledged to fast - track the development of laws that will facilitate the proper implementation of the Hustler Fund, saying it was a noble initiative aimed at uplifting the population at the bottom of the chain.

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi was the 4th Cabinet nominee to be vetted, and he outlined plan to streamline the public service sector. Hon. Muturi who is a two-term former Speaker of the National Assembly was appearing to the vetting committee for the second time in two years. He is the outgoing Country’s Attorney

Gender, Culture and Heritage Cabinet nominee Stella Soi Lang'at was the fifth and last nominee to be vetted during the approval hearings. She was put task to elaborate on her strategy in conserving the country’s heritage.

Lang'at a career public administrator, stated her intention to address gender violence and work with authorities to ensure cases lodged are fast tracked.

Speaking at the end of the exercise, Speaker Wetang’ula commended efforts put in by Members of the committee who he said burned mid-night oil to ensure that the exercise concluded.

Speaker Wetang’ula explained that the vetting process is conducted under Articles 152(2) on Approval hearings of Cabinet Secretaries paves way for the Committee to commence the exercise of writing the report on Monday with the focus on the suitability of the respective candidates who came before the Committee to defend their nomination.

“Members, I want to most sincerely thank you for the wonderful work you have done, your selfless dedication in ensuring that the country secures relevant Cabinet Secretaries is recognized.”, said Speaker Wetang’ula.

Dr. Wetang’ula who also thanked members of the fourth estate for ensuring that the event was overwhelmingly covered also congratulated the public for participating in the interview through sending questions via the Parliament Online Channels terming the event most engaging and transparent.  

Members of the Committee present include; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gladys Boss, Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah, Hon. Owen Baya, Hon. Robert Mbui, Hon. Rahab Mukami, Hon. Dido Ali Raso, Hon. Gitonga Murugara, Hon. David Gikaria, Hon. Ferdinand Wanyonyi, Hon. Mary Emaase, Hon. Rahim Dawood, Hon. Junet Mohammed, Hon. Caleb Amisi, Hon. Stephen Mule, Hon. Nelson Koech, Hon. Abdi Shurie, Hon. Naisula Lesuuda, Hon. David Pkosing, and Hon. Mishi Mboko.