Tharaka Nithi County Assembly has picked a Senate staff seconded by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to serve as the Assembly clerk.
Amos Kiangwe Sikweya comes on board one year after the County Assembly only operated with deputy clerk Erick Nthumbi who served in an acting capacity after Martin Kimani took early retirement for reportedly being at loggerheads with the MCAs.
The Assembly Service Board had requested PSC to second one of its officers to serve as the Clerk in the Assembly in a bid to improve the legislative and administrative capacity of the assembly.
During the motion to adopt the new clerk, MCAs expressed optimism that Kiangwe would better services and most particularly their working environment.
Kiangwe formerly served as a Legislative Clerk at the Senate and holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology and a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration.
Nominated MCA representing youth, Karen Karimi Gitonga said it was unfortunate that since inception of devolution seven years ago, they were still operating from an iron sheet structure.
“The governor built himself a very decent office within a short time after assuming office but we are still carrying our House Business from iron sheet chambers,” Gitonga lamented.
Muthini Karangi, (also nominated) asked Kiangwe to fast track construction of the Assembly building that stalled years ago over procurement issues.
The new clerk has worked for the National Assembly for a period of nine years and previously served as the Committee Lead Clerk in the National Assembly and as a legislative officer among other positions.
By Kenneth Marangu