A seven-member selection panel that has been delegated to select nominees for the appointment as members of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) have been urged to look for people with integrity and leadership skill qualities, during the recruitment process.
The selection panel members including Public Service Commissioner, Dr Joyce Nyabuti, Architect Phillip Kungu, Mr William Karari, Lucy Karume, Catherine Wameyo, Hedwig Nyalwal and Mary Wairagu are required to fill the two vacant positions of commissioners that were declared vacant.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, through the Gazette notice of 1st October, 2021, constituted the select panel for the nominees for appointment as members of the National Gender and Equality Commission.
The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes, Prof Margaret Kobia, told the team to discharge their mandate with objectivity, integrity, professionalism and confidentiality, while adhering to all provisions of the Constitution, the NGEC Act and other laws related to the assignment.
She said the panel will be guided by the procedures for appointment contained in the National Gender and Equality Commission Act on human rights and the Constitution on leadership and integrity, during the recruitment exercise.
The CS was speaking Friday during the inaugural meeting and swearing-in of the Selection Panel members for members to NGEC, at the Ministry’s Boardroom, after witnessing their taking oath of office, administered by, Jacqueline Manani, Public Service Commission, Director Legal Services, which was also attended by the Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Public Service, Mary Kimonye.
Prof Kobia said Kenyans have high expectations from the team and were eagerly waiting for them to select competent members, who will discharge their mandate effectively.
“This is an important national exercise, which calls for commitment and dedication and due to the strict timelines provided in the NGEC Act 2011, for you to complete the assignment as scheduled, you may be required to work beyond the official working hours,” said the CS.
The CS who expressed confidence in the panel, assured them of the Ministry’s support, during the exercise, to enable them complete the task as scheduled.
Prof. Kobia who expressed her appreciation to President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointing the panel, also congratulated them, noting that their selection is a demonstration of the confidence and trust the government has on them, to deliver the assignment.
The Acting Chairperson Public Service Commission (PSC), Ms Charity Kisotu, while congratulating the members for their appointment, expressed confidence that the team which is composed of professionals, was up to the task.
“I looked at the profiles of the panelists and saw that they fit the bill for the assignment ahead them,” she noted.
She however told them as they embark on the noble assignment to be conscious that Kenyans have become vigilant on everything people do and urged them to conduct the process in a transparent manner and give the country the best.
“During the interviews you should see merit, inclusivity and look at other key priorities, so that you can give Kenyans, Commissioners of integrity,” said the PSC Chairperson.
Ms Kisotu said the government has entrusted them with the assignment so that they can give Kenyans the best and urged them to undertake the exercise with the seriousness it deserves.
The National Gender and Equality Commission’s mandate includes, promotion of gender equality and equity, coordinating and facilitating gender mainstreaming in national development, to monitor, facilitate and advice on the integration of the principals of equity and freedom from discrimination in all national and county policies, laws and regulations in all public and private institutions.
Other roles are ensuring compliance with all treaties and conventions on equality and freedom from discrimination of special interest groups, which include minorities and marginalized persons, women, persons with disabilities and children.
By Bernadette Khaduli
