The vetting of President William Ruto’s nominees for Principal Secretary (PS) positions commenced today, April 4, 2025, with MPs scrutinizing the qualifications and suitability of the selected individuals for key government roles. The approval hearings, which are being overseen by departmental committees, are scheduled to run through Monday, April 7, as lawmakers ensure that only qualified candidates are approved to assume office.
The vetting process started with several high-profile nominees appearing before parliamentary committees to defend their credentials. Among those set to face the vetting process today is Aden Abdi, nominated for Principal Secretary in the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs. Abdi is scheduled to appear before the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure at 10:00 AM.
Stephen Isaboke, nominated for PS in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, will face the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Communication, Information, and Innovation at 9:30 AM, while Michael Lenasalon, nominated for the State Department for Devolution, will appear before the Committee on Regional Development at 10:00 AM.
Other nominees appearing before committees at 10:00 AM include Dr. Oluga Ouma, who has been nominated for PS in the Ministry of Medical Services and will appear before the Committee on Health, and Ahmed Ibrahim, nominated for the National Government Coordination role, who will face the Committee on Administration and Internal Security.
The Committee on Education will vet Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, nominated for Science, Research, and Innovation, while Jane Imbunya, nominated for Public Service and Human Capital Development, will appear before the Labour Committee at 10:00 AM.
Other key nominees include Cyrell Wagunda, who is nominated for the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management, and Boniface Makokha, nominated for Economic Planning. They will be grilled by the Committee on Finance and National Planning, with Makokha appearing at 12:00 PM.
The vetting process is a critical part of ensuring transparency and accountability in the government, with MPs taking their time to thoroughly assess the nominees. It is expected that this rigorous process will help to finalize the appointments in the coming days.
