The seven member team of the Selection Panel assigned to select nominees for appointment as members of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), were today sworn in at Harambee House, to commence their assignment.
Members of the selection panel, are expected to select five nominees to fill the position of Chairperson and four members of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, which have been declared vacant.
The Select Panel members are Jasper Mbiuki, MaryAnne Njau Kimani, Dr. Regina Mwatha, Dr. Kenneth Samson Ombongi, Dr. Akhonya Mutubwa Wilfred, Dr. Habiba Mohammed and Prof. William Ogara.
The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special programmes, Prof. Margaret Kobia, told the select panel to discharge their mandate with objectivity, integrity, professionalism and confidentiality as Kenyans are looking upon them, to select competent candidates, who are capable of discharging the mandate of the Commission.
She also urged them to adhere to all the provisions of the Constitution, the KNCHR Act and any other law relating to the assignment, as well as adhere to the stipulated timelines of the recruitment.
“You will be guided by the procedures for appointment contained in the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, Chapters 4 on human rights and 6 on leadership and integrity and Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution among others,” stated Prof. Kobia.
In a speech read on her behalf by the Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Public Service, Mary Kimonye, during the inaugural meeting and swearing in ceremony of the Select Panel at Harambee House, the CS also told the panel that they will be required to work the official working hours, to enable them complete the task as scheduled.
Congratulating the seven members for their appointment by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prof. Kobia said their selection is a demonstration of the confidence and trust the government has in them and their capacity to deliver on the assignment.
In her remarks, Kimonye assured the select panel of the Ministry’s support in the provision of secretariat services and other logistical support, to enable them discharge their assignment and be in line with the Constitution on timeliness regarding recruitment.
“You should take timing as a challenge and work within the number of days you have been given to complete the assignment, to enable you forward the names to Parliament as scheduled,” said Kimonye.
KNCHR’s mandate is to promote respect for human rights and develop a culture of human rights in the country, promote and monitor the protection and observance of human rights in all public and private institutions, investigate and report on the observance of human rights in the country.
The Commission also ensures that there is compliance with obligations under treaties and convention relating to human rights among other functions.
By Bernadette Khaduli
