The search for a new CEO of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has officially begun, as interviews for Twalib Mbarak’s successor kicked off on Tuesday. Mbarak, who has been at the helm of the anti-graft agency since January 2019, is set to complete his six-year term in January 2025. His departure has led to a flurry of activity within the commission as it seeks to identify a capable leader to steer the organization through its crucial anti-corruption mandate.
A total of 172 applicants expressed interest in the CEO position, and after a rigorous selection process, the EACC shortlisted 14 candidates. These include a mix of experienced professionals with backgrounds in law, public administration, and anti-corruption, all vying for the top job. The candidates who made the cut include Stephen Ngowa, Doreen Muthaura, Jackson Mue, Joseph Onyango, Paul Maina, Victor Okongo, Peter Lomulen, and Obadiah Keitany. Additionally, John Ole Moyaki, David Too, Abdi Mohamud, Justa Mwangi, Mohamed Mmaka, and Waweru Karanja are also in the running.
The interviews, being held at the Public Service Commission House in Nairobi, are scheduled to take place over three days this week. On Tuesday, five candidates Ngowa, Muthaura, Mue, Onyango, and Maina were interviewed in the morning session. The following day, Wednesday, will see Okongo, Lomulen, Keitany, Moyaki, and Too undergo their interviews. The final day, Thursday, is reserved for the remaining candidates: Mohamud, Mwangi, Mmaka, and Karanja.
The EACC, which was established to combat corruption and enhance transparency in Kenya’s public sector, has invited the public to submit any relevant information regarding the suitability of the shortlisted candidates. The deadline for the submission of such information passed on November 11, and now the commissioners are tasked with evaluating the credentials and integrity of each contender.
The EACC’s Chairman, David Oginde, is overseeing the interview process, which is expected to be thorough and transparent. The successful candidate will be chosen not only based on their professional qualifications and experience but also their commitment to fighting corruption and promoting ethical conduct in Kenya’s public institutions.
Once the interviews are concluded, the EACC will forward the name of the successful candidate to the National Assembly for approval. The appointee will then assume the role of CEO, with a non-renewable six-year contract. This position comes with significant responsibility, as the EACC plays a pivotal role in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, and it is crucial that the agency maintains its independence and credibility.
Twalib Mbarak, the outgoing CEO, took over leadership of the EACC in 2019, succeeding Halakhe Waqo, who served as CEO from 2013 until the end of his term in 2019. Under Mbarak’s leadership, the EACC has made significant strides in investigating high-profile corruption cases and improving public confidence in the commission. However, his tenure has not been without challenges, with critics pointing to slow progress in securing convictions and addressing systemic corruption within the public sector.
The appointment of the new EACC CEO is critical for the continued success of the commission’s anti-corruption efforts. Kenya has made significant progress in recent years in addressing corruption, but the battle is far from won. The next CEO will be expected to lead the charge in maintaining and building upon the momentum of anti-graft initiatives. Furthermore, the individual chosen will need to possess a strong moral compass, leadership skills, and the ability to navigate the complex political landscape that surrounds anti-corruption efforts in the country.
As the interview process unfolds, all eyes will be on the EACC to ensure that the next leader of the commission is someone who is not only qualified but also genuinely committed to eradicating corruption and upholding the integrity of Kenya’s public institutions.
