This archive report was first published on 2 November 2021.
On October 6, 2021, Allen Gichuhi was set to begin a three-year term as the chair of the Industrial Property Tribunal, but he declined the appointment.
According to a gazette notice by Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina, Gichuhi was appointed to the position, but he turned down the offer in a letter to CS Maina.
Gichuhi, a senior partner in a busy law firm, expressed concerns about the potential conflict of interest the appointment would bring, citing the firm's handling of various clients' matters that may give rise to disputes before the Industrial Property Tribunal.
He also noted that there was no interview or recruitment process held before his appointment, leading him to question the fairness of the process.
‘I am the senior partner in a busy law firm and having consulted with my partners. Such an appointment would cause a conflict of interest in matters that my firm handles for various clients that may give rise to a dispute before the Industrial Property Tribunal,’ Gichuhi said in his letter.
