Ministers flout the rules over State jobs

• Trend grows rampant as politicians use powerful offices to reward their cronies

Dr Ombongi was plucked out of the lecturer hall at the University of Nairobi where he was a history lecturer and many critics argue he has little to do with management and knowledge of the hospitality industry to turn around the tattered institution.

Last week, Mr Balala said he saw nothing wrong with appointing a friend because that was the practice now in government.

On Monday, Dr Ombongi said he was qualified for the job and would get it “even if it was competitively sourced”.

“There should be no question of me being a friend of the anyone since I am a Kenyan who is qualified for this job,” said Dr Ombongi, 40.

Mr Balala said he appointed Dr Ombongi in an acting capacity following a report of a task force that recommended radical measures to restore the glory of the institution.

Recently, the reappointment of George Muhoho as Kenya Airports Authority managing director brought to the fore the disrespect of government hiring rules.

Although the KAA board wanted Mr Muhoho’s tenure ended, Transport minister Chirau Mwakwere shrugged that aside and handed him back the position to the chagrin of many.

Mr Mwakwere on Monday said he reappointed Mr Muhoho because he has done an outstanding job during his time in office.

“His job satisfied me. He has transformed the Kenya Airports Authority,” he said.

In September, Labour minister John Munyes sacked the then NSSF managing trustee Rachael Lumbasyo, a move that was condemned as unprocedural.

Although the minister has powers to appoint the Fund’s chief executive, the procedures to be followed are clearly stated in the NSSF Act, Cap 258, which requires the minister appoint based on the Board of Trustees’ recommendations.

The government is aware of the abuse of the rules. “In certain cases, the application of the clause has been done in such a way that it is seen as a contradiction of the government policy on competitive sourcing,” said Mr Muthaura in a circular.

Public Service chairman Titus Gateere said the rules were an attempt to remove “cronyism and favouritism” in appointment to State corporations.

“Kenyans need to know which jobs fall vacant through advertisements, which they can then apply for if they are qualified,” he said.

Additional reporting by Kenneth Ogosia