The National Assembly has released a schedule for the vetting of President William Ruto’s Cabinet nominees.
According to the schedule, the vetting will be spread across four days, where at least five nominees will be vetted from Thursday, August 1, 2024, through to Sunday, August 4, 2024.
“It is notified to the general public that in compliance with Article 152 (2) of the Constitution, section 6(4) of the Public Appointments Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F and Standing Order 45(3), the Committee on Appointments shall conduct Approval Hearings (Vetting) of the nominees from 1st to 4th August 2024,” reads a notice by Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge.
The notice came after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula received communication from President William Ruto, nominating an additional list of 10 persons for consideration by Parliament for the role of Cabinet Secretaries.
The vetting will take place at the Mini-Chamber, County Hall, Parliament Buildings from 8 am. The vetting will be undertaken by the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointments, which is chaired by the Speaker.
Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki will be the first to face the vetting panel on August 1, at 8 am, followed by Debra Mlongo (Health) at 10am, Alice Wahome of the Lands docket 12 pm, Migos Ogamba (Education) 3pm and Soipan Tuya (Defence) 5pm.
On August 2, the committee will vet nominees Andrew Mwihia (Agriculture) at 8 am, Aden Duale (Environment) 10am, Eric Muuga (Water), Davis Chirchir (Transport) and Margaret Ndung’u (ICT)
On August 3, John Mbadi (Treasury), Salim Mvurya (Trade), Rebecca Miano (Tourism) at 12pm, Opiyo Wandayi (Energy) at 3pm and Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports) will face the vetting committee at 5pm.
On August 4, Hassan Joho (Mining) at 8am, Alfred Mutua (Labour) at 10am, Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives)at 12 pm, Justin Muturi (Public Service) at 3pm and Stella Lang’at (Gender) will be vetted at 5pm.
Kenyans have until next August 1, 2024, to give their views on the nominated CSs before the vetting exercise starts.
The clerk also reminded the nominees to bring their original documents, and academic and professional certificates when they appear for vetting.
“Each nominee shall bring his or her original identity card, academic and professional certificates and other relevant testimonials, letters/certificates of compliance or clearance from EACC, KRA, HELB, DCI and CRB,” Njoroge said.
As of Wednesday, President Ruto had named 20 nominees to his cabinet.
The Attorney General position and the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development remain vacant.
After dissolving his entire cabinet save for the Prime Cabinet Secretary position, Ruto said he was working towards forming a broad-based government that reflects the face of Kenya.
To this effect, he included four opposition politicians in his Wednesday cabinet appointments.