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Parliament has rejected the nomination of Umra Omar for appointment as a member of the National Climate Change Council.

The joint committees of Senate Land, Environment and National Assembly’s Environment, Forestry and Mining rejected the nomination of Omar on grounds that she did not demonstrate knowledge of topical, technical and administrative issues touching on the matters relating to indigenous knowledge on Climate Change Act.

Omar becomes the first nominee under Kenya Kwanza administration to be rejected by Parliament.

Yesterday, in a report tabled in the House, the joint committee noted that Omar lacks the requisite abilities and experience to serve as a member of the Council.

“That the nominee, from her general demeanor during the approval hearing coupled with unclear responses to the topical questions, appeared not to be adequately prepared and displayed a general lack of interest,” reads part of the report.

Born in Lamu, Omar holds Masters of Arts (Social Justice: Intercultural Relations) from World Learning Institute USA, a BA degree (Neuroscience/Psychology) from Oberlin College (Ohio) and BA (Social Sciences) from University Bueno Aires.

However, the joint committee approved the nomination of Prof George Odera Outa, John Kioli Kalua and Ms Emily Mwende Waita.

“Having considered the suitability, capacity and integrity of the nominees and pursuant to Article 132 (2)(f) of the Constitution and Public Appointments (parliamentary approval) Act, the committees recommends to parliament approves the nomination of Waita, Kalua and Outa for appointment as members of the National Climate Change Council,” reads part of the report. Section 5 of the Climate Change Act, 2016 establishes the National Climate Change Council, which is to be chaired by the President.

Under Section 6, the council is required to provide an overarching climate change coordination mechanism including ensuring the mainstreaming of the climate change function by the national and county governments.