The Parliamentary Service Commission has picked former Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Ali to replace Rachel Ameso as its female non-MP commissioner.
The commission, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, recommended Ali for appointment after she emerged top in interviews conducted on September 10.
A report tabled in Parliament on September 15 shows Ali scored 80.48 per cent, beating Prof Jacqueline Oduol, who came second with 61.67 per cent.
Amina Abdalla was third with 56.19 per cent, followed by Dr Brenda Khanani at 53.33 per cent and Stellah Chepkemboi at 47.14 per cent.
Dennitah Ghati scored 46.90 per cent, Mary Muthoka 43.57 per cent, Diana Mwacharo 42.62 per cent and Rachae Kihara 42.38 per cent.
Sunjeev Birdi scored 35 per cent, while Betty Nyage got 34.76 per cent. Margaret Nyakoboke did not appear for the interview.
“The commission resolved to recommend Fatuma Ali, the candidate who ranked highest in the oral interviews, to the National Assembly and the Senate for their consideration and approval,” the report signed by Wetang’ula states.
Ali was the pioneer Wajir Woman Representative and served until 2017 when she was beaten in the race by Fatuma Gedi.
She was later nominated to the East Africa Legislative Assembly where she served until 2022.
The former MP has also served as a commissioner to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and has also had a stint at UN Women.
Ali is credited with leading the report which criticised the government’s IDP resettlement program.
The recommendation followed a recruitment process that began on August 14 after the Clerk of the Senate and Secretary to the Commission declared the vacancy.
By the August 28 deadline, the commission had received 83 applications. Eight duplicate applications were merged, leaving 75 candidates, comprising 71 women and four men.
The commission met on September 2 to consider the applications and shortlisted 12 candidates for the interviews.
It said all shortlisted applicants had to meet the requirements set out in the constitution and the Parliamentary Service Act, 2019.
The commission reports it also considered ethnic and regional diversity, as well as candidates from minority communities and persons living with disability.
During the interviews, candidates were assessed on their curriculum vitae, original academic certificates and testimonials.
The commission also considered academic qualifications, relevant work experience, understanding of the constitution and knowledge of the powers and functions of Parliament and the PSC.
Leadership and management skills, compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution and personal attributes were also examined.
The attributes included decisiveness, honesty, accountability, communication and interpersonal skills.
At a special meeting on September 10, the PSC resolved to forward Ali’s name to both Houses for approval.
Ameso’s term expired on June 30, leaving the position vacant. Intense lobbying ensued, with ODM players putting a strong case for its candidates.
The PSC has now asked both the National Assembly and Senate to approve Ali’s appointment. Her selection must therefore secure the backing of both Houses before she can take office.
If approved, the former Wajir legislator will return to Parliament in a different capacity, taking up a six-year term as a non-member commissioner.
The PSC is responsible for the administration and management of parliamentary affairs, including the provision of facilities and services to members and staff of Parliament.
