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Kenya: Retention And Naming of PSs Aged Over 55 Fuels Speculation
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The Nation (Nairobi)
23 April 2008
Posted to the web 23 April 2008
Mike Mwaniki And Samuel Kumba
Nairobi
The retention and appointment of Permanent Secretaries aged over 55 years has fuelled speculation ranging from intense lobbying to personal connections with the high and mighty in the corridors of power.
Most startling was that of Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura, 62, which came as a surprise. It had been rumoured that Mr Muthaura was headed for home along with nine others in that age bracket.
But it is understood that they were retained either to complete their contracts or simply because they have the connections with decision makers in President Kibaki's government.
Other sources indicate that the PSs were retained because of their experience and qualifications.
However, it was not immediately clear why others in the same league were sacked. Former Transport PS Gerishon Ikiara was among those dropped in Monday's appointments.
At the same time, the Government failed to explain why new PSs past retirement age were appointed.
These included Dr Mohamed Isahakia, the new PS in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Dr James Nyikal, the new PS in the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation.
Among the PSs who are past retirement age and were retained are Education PS Karega Mutahi, Finance PS Joseph Kinyua, Energy PS Patrick Nyoike and Water and Irrigation PS David Stower.
During the announcement of the new line-up by President Kibaki on Monday, reasons for retaining the PSs past the retirement age of 55 years while sacking younger ones were not given.
While reacting to the appointments, various groups and institutions yesterday expressed their approval while others registered their displeasure.
The Association of Professional Societies in East Africa (APSEA) said the PSs are the accounting officers of ministries are therefore expected to be high-skilled and professionals.
"That was somehow taken into account as those appointed are people with the necessary credentials capable of offering Kenyans the much needed quality service," said APSEA honorary secretary Joshua Mbugua.
At variant, however, was Mr Ndung'u Wainaina of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict who said the appointments were much to do with the status quo and continuity as opposed to transformative governance.
Mr Wainana, who is also the National Convention Executive Council programme manager maintained that the appointments were far from what Kenyans expected.
On the other hand, Clarion said it was pleased with the inclusion of technocrats especially from the universities.
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However, Clarion national coordinator Geoffrey Birundu said in the appointment of diplomats and parastatal chiefs, they expect to see more women and the youths given much attention as opposed to maintaining the status quo.
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