This archive report was first published on 16 November 2019.
On November 16, 2019, two court rulings shed light on the need for merit-based and equitable public appointments.
The High Court ruled that Ms Mwende Mwinzi, nominated Ambassador to South Korea, cannot be forced to renounce her American citizenship to take up the job, as previously determined by a parliamentary committee.
Article 78 (1) of the Constitution states that no one should be appointed a State officer unless they are Kenyan, but sub-article (3) (B) clarifies that dual citizenship is permissible.
Meanwhile, the Employment Court annulled the appointment of Esther Murugi and Tiya Galgalo to the National Lands Commission due to serious irregularities.
These cases underscore the importance of proper groundwork before making public appointments and the need for Parliament to rethink the vetting and approval process.
Appointments should be guided by meritocracy, fairness, and equity, rather than being politically and ethnically driven.
