- The Cabinet is the highest policy-making organ in any country and as such, nominees must not only have relevant professional qualifications and experience but also integrity and ethics of governance.
- Considering Kenya’s history of corruption and wanton misuse of public resources, the suitability of any public officer must be put under high-level scrutiny to get the best.
The process of nominating and vetting Cabinet Secretaries demands scrutiny and rigorous evaluation of character, experience and ability to perform the mandate required of a particular docket.
The Cabinet is the highest policy-making organ in any country and as such, nominees must not only have relevant professional qualifications and experience but also integrity and ethics of governance.
Considering Kenya’s history of corruption and wanton misuse of public resources, the suitability of any public officer must be put under high-level scrutiny to get the best.
Be it health, education, finance or any other ministry, the professional competence and experience of nominees must be the priority of any vetting committee.
Nominees must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the awaiting mandate, a proven track record of effective leadership, strategic vision and the ability to implement policies and strategies that result in positive change.
A health nominee, for instance, must have a background in healthcare management, public health or related.
The background must lay bare his or her ability to develop positive health strategies and the experience to navigate complex healthcare systems and policies.
With perennial strikes by medics and demand for a steady supply of medication in hospitals, the nominee must demonstrate that he or she fits the bill.
But ticking the professional box and lacking the integrity and ethics of governance needed of civil servants is a failure for any nominee.
Everyone seeking to hold public office such as that of a CS must have personal and professional conduct that is beyond reproach.
Their history must paint a picture of ethical behaviour, transparency and accountability on the part of the nominee.
It defeats logic to roll out campaigns day in and day out on corruption yet we give people with questionable integrity opportunities to be in charge of resources worth billions of shillings.
Nominees should also be evaluated for potential conflicts of interest that could undermine their ability to serve impartially.
Their past must reveal a classic case of role models of integrity without any hint of impropriety that can erode public trust.
Kenya is a country governed by the rule of law, nominees must, therefore, commit strict adherence to the constitution as they discharge their mandate.
Those with a history of subverting the constitution must be blocked from accessing public offices.
Nominees must prove beyond reasonable doubt that every action and decision they will carry will comply with the Constitution and other relevant laws.
They should also be advocates for fair and just policies that benefit all citizens, especially the marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Supporting the implementation of anti-corruption measures, ensuring equitable access to services, and upholding human rights are the fundamentals of good governance.
Nominees must live up to the spirit of these tenets to stand a chance to earn an appointment to public office.
For example, a Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Education should prioritize policies that promote equal educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
With the vetting of nominees coming in the backdrop of mass protests that saw a whole cabinet dismissed, the new nominees must ready themselves for transparency and accountability.
The nominees must show desire and willingness to foster openness while discharging their mandate in a manner that the masses will be able to establish how their resources are being used.
Regular engagement with stakeholders, providing clear and timely information to the public, and being responsive to the concerns and needs of citizens is the cornerstone of good governance.
They must support independent oversight and regular reporting of ministry activities, expenditures and outcomes of programs and projects.
To drive innovation and progress, nominees must also demonstrate vision and innovation.
With shrinking revenues and mounting challenges each passing day, nominees have no option but to innovate ways that can help the government generate more income and address teething problems.
They must be abreast with emerging trends and technologies that will influence the modernization of services for effectiveness and the development of forward-thinking policies.
This can only be achieved with a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
As Kenya awaits a new Cabinet, the vetting committee must take note of various combinations that the suitability of a CS nominee hinges on.
By upholding the above standards, Kenya can have Cabinet Secretaries who will serve the public good and contribute to the country's progress and prosperity.
Ahmed Sadik is a governance expert.