National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has explained the reason behind the rejection of Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Stella Soi Lang’at.

Lang’at was the only nominee who was rejected by the National Assembly Committee of Appointments, while the 19 others were approved.

Speaking on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Ichung’wah, who was part of the Committee on Appointments, noted that Lang’at failed to demonstrate adequate knowledge on the docket she was nominated to lead.

“The nominee failed to demonstrate adequate knowledge of topical administrative and technical issues touching on the Ministry of Gender Culture, Arts, and Heritage,” Ichung’wah explained.

Besides the lack of requisite technical knowledge to lead the Gender Ministry, the Committee on Appointments found fault in her previous work experience.

According to Ichung’wah, she transitioned into various roles within a short time in jobs that do not require any long-term strategic planning.

“The committee did note that the nominee’s (Stella Soi) experience in the Public Service was marked by very frequent job transitions in various roles. All the six different postings that the nominee has held do not require any long-term strategic planning,” Ichung’wah further explained.

Some of the ministries Lang’at has served include the State Department of Public Service and the Labour Department.

She was also part of the team that established the State Department of Gender in 2004.

Her defence

Lang’at, who is worth Ksh70 million, told the committee that her 29 years in public service would be crucial in helping her serve in the Gender docket.

Lang’at majorly highlighted plans to tackle female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriages.

“So, to address the challenges of FGM and early marriages, we need to address poverty in our communities by empowering men and women and more the men,” Lang’at stated.

Nominees approved

The 19 nominees approved by the Committee on Appointment include Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Debra Barasa (Health), Julius Migos (Education), Aden Duale (Environment), Alice Wahome (Lands), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Andrew Karanja (Agriculture), Eric Mugaa (Water), Davis Chirchir (Transport), Margaret Ndung’u (ICT).

Others are; John Mbadi (Treasury), Salim Mvurya (Investments and Trade), Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Kipchumba Murkomen (Sports), Hassan Joho (Mining), Alfred Mutua (Labour), Justin Muturi (Public Service) and Wycliffe Oparanya (MSMEs).