Dr. Florence Munanie Makindi, Chairperson of the Kitui County Public Service Board, found herself on the defensive today, Tuesday, 27th August 2024, as she appeared before the Committee on Appointments. The session was convened to examine the selection process of nominees for the Kitui Municipal Board, including Mr. Wilfred Nzyoki Kinundu, Ms. Judith N. Kasanga, and Mr. William Kitema Jedidah.
During the interrogation, Dr. Makindi disclosed that the Board had based its selection process on a directive from Mr. Evans Mutemi, the Chief Officer for Urban Development, who had issued a letter to advertise the Municipal Board vacancies. She emphasized that this action was taken independently, without instructions from the Office of the Governor or the County Secretary.However, the session took a turn when the Committee on Appointments inquired about the minutes of the shortlisted candidates who met the criteria for nomination.
Dr. Makindi was unable to confirm the availability of these critical documents, raising further concerns.The Committee also highlighted that two nominees, Ms. Judith N. Kasanga and Mr. William Kitema Jedidah, were forwarded for nomination despite lacking essential documents such as the Certificate of Good Conduct and clearance from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).”You approved candidates without the required mandatory documents and forwarded individuals with questionable credentials to the Governor.
It is evident that the Board misadvised the Governor, whose role was simply to select candidates based on their interview performance, even though they did not meet the mandatory requirements outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” remarked Hon. Speaker Kinengo Katisya.
Dr. Makindi acknowledged that the Board had instructed candidates to bring all necessary documents but proceeded with the interviews and forwarded the shortlisted names to the Governor without disclosing the missing documents.
Despite the intense scrutiny, Dr. Makindi expressed appreciation for the interrogation process, assuring that the Board would continue to cooperate with the County Assembly. She committed to providing the required documents for the Assembly’s review and affirmed the Board’s readiness for continued oversight.
