This archive report was first published on 7 November 2019.
On November 7, 2019, the Murang'a County Assembly made a decision that has sparked debate over age and experience in leadership. The Assembly approved the appointment of 61-year-old Kamau Maina Kiruma to head the youth and Sports docket as a chief officer.
The nomination was tabled by Youth Committee chairperson, who defended Kiruma's appointment, saying he was 'young at heart' and had the experience to lead the youth. This was despite concerns raised by Kimorori MCA Amos Murigi, who argued that the youth had been given a 'raw deal' by the county government and that the nominee was too old.
Murigi urged the Assembly to oppose the nomination and instead advise Governor Mwangi Wa Iria to nominate a youth to head the docket. However, the MCAs defended the governor, saying the youth could not be forced to apply for the job.
According to Kiruma's curriculum vitae, he started working in 1983 and has worked in various teaching and training colleges before joining government. The Assembly concluded that his 37 years of work experience made him the best qualified person to lead the youth docket and impact his vast experience in uplifting talents across the County.
