Kenya Airports Authority MD Fined Ksh 500,000 by Parliament for Skipping Summons

The National Assembly has fined the Managing Director of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Mr. Henry Ogoye, Ksh 500,000 for repeatedly missing summons to address issues related to employment diversity at the authority. Mr. Ogoye had failed to appear before the National Assembly’s Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities on four occasions, prompting the Committee to take action under Article 191 A (1), which authorizes it to impose fines on absentee witnesses.

The Committee, chaired by Mandera West MP Hon. Adan Haji, expressed disappointment at Mr. Ogoye’s absence, highlighting the growing frustration within Parliament over the lack of accountability shown by some senior government officials. During a session held at Parliament Buildings, Haji emphasized the Committee’s decision to impose the fine as a warning to other government officials who may disregard summons in the future.

“This is the fourth time the MD is skipping Committee meetings…this is the reason why we have taken stern action against him to serve as an example to other senior government officers who ignore invites by the Committee for accountability,” stated Hon. Haji.

The Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities is responsible for ensuring fair representation and equal access to opportunities in government institutions. Mr. Ogoye had been called to explain the KAA’s employment policies and the measures taken to promote diversity and inclusivity, as the Committee had noted a significant ethnic imbalance in the authority’s employment practices. According to the Committee’s findings, a large portion of the positions within KAA were dominated by a single community, leading to concerns about the equitable distribution of employment opportunities across Kenya.

Hon. Ong’ondo Were, the Kaspul MP, voiced his dissatisfaction with Mr. Ogoye’s decision to appear before another parliamentary committee instead of the Cohesion Committee. Were expressed his belief that this selective attendance was an indication of Mr. Ogoye’s disregard for the Cohesion Committee’s importance and responsibilities.

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“The fact that the MD has chosen to honor invites of another Committee and not the Cohesion one shows he has low regard about this Committee,” Were said.

Kajiado North MP, Hon. Onesmus Ngogoyo, supported the decision to fine Mr. Ogoye, stating that the Committee would not tolerate any senior government officer who disregards its authority or dismisses its efforts to foster accountability and equality within government agencies.

“Witnesses need to take seriously invites by Parliamentary Committees. A fine on the MD should sound as a warning to others with similar characters,” Hon. Ngogoyo remarked.

The Cohesion Committee’s concerns are grounded in ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of their background or community, have fair access to employment opportunities in government institutions. The ethnic imbalance observed within the KAA’s employment practices has fueled concerns about potential favoritism and systemic discrimination, which could undermine the principles of equality and representation that the Committee stands to uphold.

The KAA, as a significant government agency managing the country’s airports, plays a crucial role in facilitating national and international connectivity, trade, and tourism. The agency’s employment policies are expected to reflect the country’s diversity, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to individuals from various regions and backgrounds.

Hon. Adan Haji’s Committee has been vocal in its mandate to promote inclusivity and accountability, emphasizing the need for government institutions to lead by example in providing equal opportunities. By taking a strong stance against absenteeism and non-compliance with Committee summons, Parliament hopes to reinforce the significance of accountability and respect for democratic processes in government institutions.

The fine imposed on Mr. Ogoye sends a strong message to other senior officials who may disregard parliamentary directives. It highlights Parliament’s commitment to holding leaders accountable for ensuring fair employment practices. The Cohesion Committee’s decision to penalize non-compliant officials underlines the importance of government agencies fostering inclusivity and equal representation, values crucial for national cohesion and unity.

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As the Committee continues its work, the expectation is that senior government officials will respect its directives and contribute meaningfully to discussions aimed at improving equality and representation in Kenya’s public institutions. Mr. Ogoye’s fine stands as a precedent, indicating that failure to comply with parliamentary summons can lead to significant penalties, reflecting the gravity with which Parliament views the duty of accountability among public officials.