Siaya County Secretary summoned as hiring row rages

Siaya County Assembly

Siaya governor Cornel Rasanga (seated left) listens as Assembly Speaker George Okode addresses members. The Assembly has been accused of passing the budget without following the law.

Photo credit: Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Mr Kanundu to appear before the Assembly’s committee on appointments on September 29.
  • Siaya Speaker George Okode said he was aware of concerns by some members of the board over the new move.

Siaya County Assembly has summoned the County Secretary David Kanundu over claims that a private firm interviewed candidates for county executive posts.

A letter dated September 28 from the office of the Assembly Clerk invites Mr Kanundu to appear before the Assembly’s committee on appointments on September 29.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya, article 179 (2) (b), read together with Section 35 of the County Governments Act 2012, the County assembly committee on appointments is currently conducting vetting exercise of nominees to the Siaya County Executive Committee.

BIDDERS

“During the exercise held today (September 28) issues that consultancy firm by the name Log Associates interviewed nominees for the position of County Executive Committee members emerged. It was further alleged that the firm was single sourced and that you are related to the Chief Executive Officer of the firm,” read the Clerk’s letter addressed to Mr Kanundu in part.

Among some of the concerns Mr Kanundu is required to address according to the letter include whether the firm was procured by the County Government of Siaya, how it was procured and who the bidders were.

The official is also expected to shed light on whether he is related to the CEO of the firm and whether the county advertised for the positions in the daily newspaper.

The summons were issues as the row over recruitment of county executives rages.

Siaya Speaker George Okode said he was aware of concerns by some members of the board over the new move.

The Nation has established that the county executive and public service board are not reading from the same script over involvement of the private company in the recruitment.