This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
Published on October 15, 2019, Mary Wambui, the former Othaya MP, has been appointed as the chair of the National Employment Authority, sparking criticism from the youth over her age.
Ms Wambui, 66, has maintained that she is the most qualified person for the job and deserves the post. She was appointed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani in a gazette notice.
"I got the post because I am better than those complaining. I have the qualifications and experience to run the office," Ms Wambui said when contacted.
Her appointment comes barely a week after the National Assembly approved former Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi, 66, to sit in the National Lands Commission.
Local youth have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the recent appointments, feeling that they have no place in the Jubilee administration.
"They said the youth but they keep recycling old people and giving them jobs. While the youth continue tarmacking, people with businesses and hefty pensions are getting all state jobs. It is not right," Joseph Mathenge, a resident of Nyeri, said.
Ms Wambui, however, has maintained that she intends to fight for more employment opportunities for the youth and ensure those already working get the best out of their current jobs.
"I thank the President for this opportunity. He has the youth’s interests at heart and I promise to deliver on the same. I assure the youth of this nation that we will work to creating more and better jobs for them," Ms Wambui said.
