Parliament directs Uhuru to issue statement over CBK governor nomination

Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta has been directed to issue a ministerial statement next Tuesday regarding the procedure of appointing a new Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor after Prof Njuguna Ndungu's term comes to an end next week.

Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara (CCU) sought the statement from Mr Kenyatta asking him to explain to parliament how a new governor will be appointed bearing in mind that the replacement is a constitutional matter.

The term of the current governor Prof Njuguna Ndung’u expires on March 4, 2011.

Under Article 231 (3) of the constitution CBK is not be under the direction or control of any person or authority in the exercise of its powers or in the performance of its functions.

However, Article 231 (5) provides that an Act of Parliament will provide for the composition, powers, functions and operations of CBK.

The appointment of the CBK governor is not expressly provided for under this article of the constitution.

Mr Imanyara said Kenyans should know if the new governor will be appointed competitively to avoid the pitfalls that befell the Presidential nominations of individuals to fill the positions of four key constitutional offices.

President Mwai Kibaki on Tuesday revoked the nominations of Justice Alnashir Visram as Chief Justice, Prof Gitu Muigai as the Attorney General, lawyer Kioko Kilokumi as the Director of Public Prosecutions and Mr William Kirwa the Controller of Budget after Prime Minister Raila Odinga rejected the nominees saying he was not consulted.

On Wednesday, Mr Imanyara asked the minister to categorically state whether the position of the governor will be advertised to ensure transparency and allow all Kenyans with interest to competitively apply for the same.

Mr Imanyara said the minister should come clear of the procedure to be followed in the replacement of Prof Ndung’u whose term ends next week.

“The minister should explain to Kenyans if the position of CBK governor will be advertised to ensure transparency and competitiveness so that we do not go the way of the other nominees to four key constitutional offices,” he said.

Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang described the matter as “urgent” and sought the indulgence of Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim to allow Mr Kenyatta who was not in the House to respond to the request of the statement next Tuesday.

Gwasi MP Mr John Mbadi (ODM) contested Mr Kajwang’s request to allow Mr Kenyatta time to respond next Tuesday saying the issue of recruitment of the new CBK boss is urgent.

Mr Mbadi said, “we want the minister to be clear on how the process of appointing a new governor will be done. This is very urgent and we want the minister to deliver the statement tomorrow afternoon (Thursday).

Rangwe MP Mr Martin Ogindo (ODM) described the appointment of a new CBK governor as “a matter of national interest” considering that the position falls due next week.

“We want the Minister for Finance to issue the statement tomorrow (Thursday) so that this House can engage him if he issues a position that goes contrary to the provisions of the new constitution,” Mr Ogindo said.

Mr Kajwang pleaded with MPs to allow Mr Kenyatta time to allay their fears saying he could not ascertain whether the Finance minister will be available in Nairobi on Thursday to issue the statement.

“I am not sure if the Minister for Finance will be present tomorrow (Thursday) to respond to your requests. I seek the House indulgence to allow Mr Kenyatta time to respond to this matter at the earliest opportunity after tomorrow (Thursday) and that is next Tuesday,” pleaded Mr Kajwang.

Deputy Speaker Mr Maalim directed Mr Kajwang to ensure that Mr Kenyatta issues the statement next Tuesday without fail.