Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah presented the committee’s report to the House, outlining the reasons behind not just the decision to reject Lang’at’s nomination but also the reasons behind the approval of 19 CSs for appointment.
The National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Wednesday, August 7 affirmed the rejection of Stella Soi Lang’at’s nomination as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Gender, Arts and Culture.
In a 243-page report obtained by Viral Tea, it was revealed that Lang’at had failed to demonstrate adequate knowledge of topical, administrative and technical issues touching on the portfolio to which she had been nominated.
Furthermore, Lang’at was revealed to have lacked the requisite abilities and qualities to be approved for appointment to the highly publicized docket.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah presented the committee’s report to the House, outlining the reasons behind not just the decision to reject Lang’at’s nomination but also the reasons behind the approval of 19 CSs for appointment.
Stella Soi Lang’at appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on August 4, 2024. /PARLIAMENT KENYA
The rejection was also informed by deep concerns regarding her suitability for the role, with frequent job transitions also playing a part in a perceived lack of in-depth understanding of the gender docket she was nominated to run.
Ichung’wah, in representation of the views of the committee, further cited Lang’at’s career trajectory consisting of multiple short-term roles, thus her failure to demonstrate the stability and strategic vision necessary for a high-level ministerial position.
“The nominee’s career has been marked by frequent transitions, with each role lacking the long-term strategic planning essential for leading a ministry effectively,” Ichung’wa stated, emphasising the committee’s concern that Lang’at had not developed a solid foundation in any specific leadership capacity within the public service.
The committee’s report was in agreement with Ichung’wah’s findings that Lang’at’s wielding of experience in roles that range from Director of Administration at the State Department of Housing and Urban Development to Senior Deputy County Commissioner in Nyamira rendered her unfit to take the helm of the Gender Ministry.
“The result of this frequent role-switching is a lack of grounding in any one area of leadership,” Ichung’wa elaborated, adding “Moreover, the nominee struggled to demonstrate an adequate understanding of the administrative and technical issues crucial to the ministry she was set to oversee.”
Lang’at, who declared her net worth at Ksh70 million and who was the last CS nominee to be vetted on Sunday, August 4, pledged that if approved, she would ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the Kenya Copyright Board, which she termed the “lifeline of Kenya’s performing artists.”
She also pledged to address gender-based violence and push for witness protection to ensure success in the prosecution of abusers, citing “Rise in femicide cases is a concern. It is an area that needs research and documentation and strong witness protection.”
A career civil servant, Lang’at was the Director of Administration in the Ministry of Interior before she was nominated CS by President William Ruto last month. She had previously worked in the State Department of Housing and Urban Planning.
Her roles include serving as Bomet County Secretary from 2020 to 2021, and previous positions as Deputy County Commissioner in various counties. However, her extensive experience did little to satisfy the committee, who felt these roles did not align with the high expectations of a Cabinet Secretary.
Ichung’wa also indicated that Lang’at had not provided satisfactory responses to the Approval Committee’s queries, further diminishing confidence in her capability to serve effectively in the proposed role.
“It was clear from the approval process that the nominee did not meet the standards we expect for such an important position,” Ichung’wa said.
The earlier approved CS nominees now include Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Debra Barasa (Health) Alice Wahome (Lands), Julius Migos Ogamba (Education), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Andrew Mwihia Karanja (Agriculture), Aden Duale (Environment), Eric Mugaa (Water), Davis Chirchir (Roads) and Margaret Ndung’u (ICT).
Others were John Mbadi (Treasury) Salim Mvurya (Trade), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports), Hassan Joho (Mining), Alfred Mutua (Labour), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives) and Justin Muturi (Public Service).
Vetting exercise in Parliament of Cabinet Secretary nominees. /PARLIAMENT KENYA
