Former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga has secured a new state role, appointed as a board member of the Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAP FUND). This appointment, which became effective on November 8, 2024, follows closely after her recent decision to decline another high-profile position. Alongside Omanga, Samuel Kariuki Maina and Beatrice Kones were appointed to serve on the LAP FUND board, each slated for a three-year term. The announcement was made by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi through an official Gazette Notice.
The Gazette Notice stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 (1) (a) of the Local Authorities Provident Fund Act, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning appoints Samwel Kariuki Maina, Beatrice Kones, Millicent Nyaboke, to be members of the Board of the Local Authorities Provident Fund, for three (3) years, with effect from the 8th November 2024.”
LAP FUND, overseen by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), is one of Kenya’s most established retirement schemes, having been founded in 1960. Serving as a state corporation, LAP FUND plays a crucial role in managing pension funds for employees of local authorities and various other institutions across the country, catering to over 70,000 members nationwide. The organization’s focus is on providing retirement benefits and fostering long-term financial security for its members.
Omanga’s recent appointment is noteworthy, considering her recent decision to turn down another prominent offer from President William Ruto, who had appointed her to the Nairobi Rivers Commission. The Nairobi Rivers Commission was established to rehabilitate Nairobi’s rivers, transforming them into valuable, sustainable resources for urban communities. The commission’s broad mandate includes coordinating restoration activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with government agencies to protect the basin and its catchment areas. President Ruto’s appointment of Omanga to this environmental commission was a vote of confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to Nairobi’s environmental agenda.
Despite the honor of the offer, Omanga declined the position on personal grounds, choosing not to step into the commission role left vacant by former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu, whose appointment faced legal challenges. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Omanga expressed her gratitude to President Ruto, saying, “I’m deeply honoured and grateful to H.E. William Ruto for the trust you’ve shown in appointing me to serve on the Nairobi Rivers Commission. It’s truly a privilege to be considered for such a vital role in improving our beloved Nairobi’s environment and public health; however, after careful consideration, I must respectfully decline the appointment due to personal reasons.”
Omanga further clarified that her decision did not stem from a lack of interest in Nairobi’s environmental issues. On the contrary, she reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Nairobi’s river restoration efforts, indicating that she remains willing to contribute in ways compatible with her current obligations. “I remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at restoring Nairobi’s rivers and stand ready to contribute in any capacity that aligns with my current commitments,” she emphasized.
Her new role at LAP FUND could be seen as a shift in her public service trajectory, allowing her to focus on the financial well-being of Kenyan retirees through one of the country’s premier pension schemes. Omanga’s experience and public profile may bring fresh perspectives to the board, particularly in aligning its objectives with broader economic reforms and government policies.
Her decision to accept the LAP FUND appointment might also reflect a careful balancing act in her political career, choosing opportunities that align better with her current personal and professional priorities. With her newly confirmed role, Omanga joins other experienced professionals on the LAP FUND board as they work to enhance the scheme’s outreach and impact for pensioners across Kenya. As board members, she and her colleagues will oversee key initiatives, aiming to strengthen the fund’s capacity to provide secure retirement benefits in the years to come.
This appointment not only underlines Omanga’s influence in Kenyan politics and public service but also signals her continued engagement in national development issues, albeit with a focus on financial security for local authorities’ employees and retirees. It remains to be seen how her new role will shape her ongoing contributions to Kenyan public life.
