In a significant move, President William Ruto has proposed Ahmed Issack Hassan, the former chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), as the new Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
This announcement came through a press release from Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service, confirming that Hassan’s nomination has been submitted to Parliament for review and approval.Hassan’s candidacy emerged from a competitive selection process in October, following an open call for applications initiated by the IPOA Chairperson Selection Panel on September 13, 2024. The panel conducted a thorough review, ultimately narrowing down the applicants to eight contenders for the Chairperson position, as well as 37 individuals for various member roles.
In addition to Hassan, Koskei disclosed the nominations of several individuals to the IPOA board, including Ann Wanjiku Mwangi, Dr. Micah Onyiego Nyakego, Boniface Kipkemoi Samati, Dr. Annette Mbogoh, John Muchiri Nyaga, Kenwilliams Nyakomitah, and Jackline Lukalo Mwenesi.Koskei’s statement outlined the rationale behind these nominations:
In light of openings within Constitutional Commissions and other State Agencies, His Excellency the President has today, exercising the powers of the Head of State and Government, nominated candidates for various public office roles. These nominations follow recommendations from the respective Selection Panel(s) that were tasked with identifying suitable nominees for the respective Constitutional Commissions and Boards.”
Further enhancing his administration’s leadership team, President Ruto has also nominated Charles Orinda Dulo as Chairperson of the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ). Additionally, he has selected former Starehe MP Charles Njagua Kanyi and Dorothy Jemator Kimengech as members of the CAJ board.In other appointments, Ruto has proposed Sammy Chepkwony for Chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), alongside nominations for Retired Maj. Gen. Martin Kizito Ong’oyi, Mohamed Aden Abdi, Jane Gatakaa Njage, Leonid Ashindu, Dr. Gilda Odera, and Dr. Geoffrey Apollo Omondi to serve on the SRC board.
The former Isiolo Woman Representative, Rehema Dida Jaldesa, has also been tapped to chair the National Gender and Equality Commission, while Michael Mbithuka Nzomo has been nominated as a board member of this agency.Lastly, President Ruto has extended his nominations to Gerald Nyoma Arita for the Deputy Governor position at the Central Bank of Kenya, rounding out a series of significant appointments aimed at shaping the governance landscape in the nation.
