The Public Service Commission (PSC) yesterday commenced interviews for 585 candidates shortlisted for Principal Secretary positions.

Former Kakamega Governor running mate Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, former nominated MP David ole Sankok and Mary Chebukati Wanyonyi  (wife of IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati) are among those who faced the panel yesterday.

The commission grilled 59 candidates, with each session lasting about half an hour.

Solid credentials

Sankok defended the credibility of those listed, saying they are professionals, other than being persons with disabilities.

 But the former nominated MP reiterated that disability should not be the basis for qualification, while urging people with disabilities against seeking sympathy in competitive processes.

“I am sure disability is not a qualification, but for those who have gone through and have been shortlisted, it means they are professional. PWDs should move away from the charity model of seeking sympathy, to the model of seeking opportunities,” he stated.

The commission said it had reviewed the number of shortlisted candidates to accommodate marginalised communities, minority groups, the youth, PWDs and gender balance.

 Today, the commission will interview about 60 people, with some current civil servants expected to face the panel.

 Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Mercy Mwangangi and CAS State Law chief Japheth Ntiba Micheni, are among those expected to be interviewed today.

Nairobi regional commissioner Kangethe Thuku and political analyst Edward Namisiko Waswa Kisiang’ani, will also be interviewed today.

The commission is expected to interview the shortlisted people between October 12 and October 22.

Thereafter, it will recommend the names of the successful applicants for nomination by the President, after which the names will be submitted to Parliament for vetting by departmental committees.