The Public Service Commission Chairman, Stephen Kirogo on Tuesday urged the selection panel for nominees of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Vice Chair to exercise the highest level of integrity during the process.
The seat fell vacant following the demise of NCIC Vice-Chair, Fatuma Tabwara who collapsed during the wedding of her nephew in Kombani, Kwale County late last year. Tabwara was part of the new NCIC commissioners that was sworn in by Chief Justice, David Maraga.
The membership of the panel is the same one that recruited the current Chairperson and Commissioners of the NCIC. The panel was constituted by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi through Gazette Notice No. 483 on 24TH January 2020, to find a replacement for the late Commissioner.
During the meeting at Commission House, Kirogo urged the panel to maintain the same focus in the new assignment and expressed his confidence that the panel will do their level best to recruit the best qualified candidates.
“I have no doubt that the trust and confidence that the appointing authority demonstrated by selecting you for this work will not be betrayed and that you will do the best you can to recruit the best qualified Kenyan for the position,” he said.
Kirogo notified the panelists of the Constitution which envisaged that the commission to not only function independently according to the powers conferred upon them, but also exercise high level of responsibility.
He further reminded on its critical provisions of NCIC Act No. 12 of 2008 which he insisted they cannot afford to compromise, namely no. 18 Qualification of Commissioners, No 25 Objects and functions of the Commissions and No. 26 Powers of the Commission.
Ms. Priscilla Nyokabi, National Gender and Equality Commission who also doubles as the panels Chairperson noted that many aspects of the NCIC is anchored in the Building Bridges Initiative, asserting on the critical role of the commission.
“We will serve in the role given to the best of our ability while observing the best manners possible,” said Nyokabi.
The panel who took the oath for the new appointment comprised of Kang’ethe Thuku – Ministry of Interior, Simon Rotich – CEO, Public Service Commission, Ms. Concepta Wasilwa – Attorney General’s Office, Abdi Ahmed Mohamud – EACC; Ms Priscilla Nyokabi – National Gender and Equality Commission; and Ms. Anne Amadi – Registrar, Judiciary.
By Alice Gworo