•CS also names members of the Competition Authority of Kenya board.
•MPs directed to conduct approval hearings, issues report in 28 days.
Image: MERCY MUMO
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani has appointed members of the Privatization Commission ending years of wait for sale of rundown state companies.
In a communication to the National Assembly, Yatani named Dr Edward Kobudhi, Irene Njeri Wanyoike, Celyne Anyango Orata, Sarah Adan Abdi, David Nyakango, and Wellingtone Godia.
The new officials, if approved by MPs, would replace the team that was led by the late former West Mugirango MP Henry Obwocha whose terms in office expired.
The commission has been operating with two officers being former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma as chairman and John Joseph Tito as a member.
Ideally, Privatization Commission comprises of the chairman, Attorney General, Treasury Principal Secretary and seven members who are not public officers.
Sale of rundown state-owned enterprises delayed following the quorum hitch at the commission.
Positions at the commission fell vacant in 2019 but were not advertised until July last year hampering the sale of five sugar factories and some two hotels.
The appointments are likely to trigger the sale of Chemelil, South Nyanza, Nzoia, Miwani and Muhoroni sugar mills that delayed for lack of quorum at the board.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi directed the Finance committee chaired by Homa Bay Gladys Wanga to conduct approval hearings on the nominees and issue a report in 28 days.
“The Committee should notify the nominees and the general public of the time and place for holding the approval hearings, in good time. The notification should therefore be made immediately,” Muturi said.
Yatani has also named new members of the Competition Authority of Kenya board ending the crisis of numbers at the agency that regulates competition in the market.
The Cabinet Secretary nominated Lena Munuve, Alome K. Achayo, David Wanyonyi Wanyama, and Abdi A. Mohamed.
The four will also be vetted by the Finance committee to join the team currently comprising of Nelson Ndirangu as chairman, Abdirazak Nunow, Elizabeth Ng'ang'a, Albert Mwenda, and Joseah Rotich as members.
Treasury said the officers were settled upon following interviews that were conducted in July.
The government had mulled a leasing programme but the same required the approval of the privatization commission board is in place.