Anti graft agency questions selection of Principal Secretaries

The Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission has questioned the process of selecting Principal Secretary candidates.

EACC vice chairman Irene Keino said Thursday the commission had received numerous complaints that the process of shortlisting was not above board.

"Allegations were received by the EACC that qualified and competent applicants were not shortlisted for unknown reasons. In short, the process appeared not to be free and fair,” said Ms Keino during a news conference at EACC's offices in Nairobi.

"We conducted an investigation and the commission prepared a report which it handed to the Public Service Commission and in which applicants under investigations by the EACC were named.

"EACC is also investigating the vetting process and the findings will be made public once concluded," she said.

Ms Keino said persons who hold the office of Principal Secretaries were accounting officers in the respective ministries and "will yield great influence in determining the manner in which the resources are utilised".

"It cannot be gainsaid, therefore, that the process of selecting and appointing persons to such positions should meet the thresholds set by law. The process must be above reproach," said Ms Keino.

On Friday, the Public Service Commission (PSC) said it had finalised the process of interviewing 155 candidates and had shortlisted 66.

PSC chairperson Margaret Kobia said the list would be handed to President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointment.

Prof Kobia said those picked were rated top based on merit, gender balance, regional representation and special interests.