This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
The High Court has dealt a blow to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) by nullifying the recruitment of its chief executive, citing a hiring process that did not meet constitutional standards.
Justice George Odunga ruled on October 8, 2019, that the recruitment process was flawed, favoring only a few candidates and locking out others with onerous requirements.
The judge noted that the board imposed various requirements that made it difficult for prospective applicants to apply, effectively granting the opening to only a few individuals.
Justice Odunga also pointed out that the board failed to advertise the vacant position in a manner that would reach the widest pool of potential applicants, closing the advertisement in 13 days instead of the recommended 21 days.
The ruling has left the board without a substantive chief executive, hindering key decisions on drug regulations.
Wambua Maithya, who moved to court, had argued that the job requirements were meant to favor acting CEO Fred Siyoi to the detriment of other applicants.
Justice Odunga ordered a 14-day stay of the judgment, which ends on Friday, paving the way for the board to start the search for a new chief executive.
