Bid to clip governors’ powers in staff hiring

Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo has sponsored a bill that seeks to seal loopholes exploited by the county bosses to bypass procedure when hiring. FILE PHOTO |

What you need to know:

  • The planned law seeks to seal loopholes exploited by the county bosses to bypass procedure when hiring.
  • Governors have been criticised for single-handedly appointing employees and locking out county assemblies.

Senators are proposing a tougher law that will stop governors from making random appointments and ensure hiring in counties is on merit.

The planned law seeks to seal loopholes exploited by the county bosses to bypass procedure when hiring.

The Public Appointments (County Assemblies Approval) Bill, 2014 makes it compulsory for governors to seek the green light from MCAs before any making appointments.

MCAs would also interrogate nominees to various positions before their names are approved by the assemblies.

Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo sponsored the Bill.

Governors have been criticised for single-handedly appointing employees and locking out county assemblies.

The county bosses, who have faced impeachment, such as Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony and his Embu counterpart, Mr Martin Wambora, were accused of recruiting county officials without following procedure, a claim they have denied.

This could be a thing of the past if the proposed law is adopted by the House and assented to by the President.

“One of the functions of the county assemblies is to approve the appointment to office of various public officers. This Bill is intended to provide guidance and clarity on the process to be followed by a county assembly and the relevant committee of the assembly when considering a nomination for appointment to public office,” says the Bill.

County assemblies would also be required to publish notices in two newspapers, indicating interview dates.

“Candidates shall be required to appear before a committee of the county assembly at least 21 days before vetting,” the Bill says.