Parliament seeks more time to vet public appointees

Parliament is set to gain more time to scrutinise public appointees following the introduction of the Public Appointments Parliamentary Approval (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The proposed law seeks to strengthen oversight and ensure nominees are thoroughly vetted before taking office.

The Bill, sponsored by Nyamira Senator Okong'o Mogeni, seeks to amend the existing Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, particularly the sections governing timelines for vetting.

Under the current law, Parliament is required to consider nominations and table its report for debate and decision within 28 days of notification.

According to the Bill, the 28-day period is often too short for committees to conduct proper background checks and interrogate nominees on matters relating to statutory requirements, qualifications and suitability for office.

Senator Mogeni said the amendment is aimed at giving Parliament adequate time to conduct a thorough assessment, without being rushed by arbitrary deadlines.

“Public offices require individuals of integrity, competence and accountability,” he said.

“Rushing the vetting process compromises the quality of oversight and risks approving unfit candidates. Parliament needs flexibility to ensure nominees meet the high standards expected by the constitution and the public.”

The Bill proposes the deletion of key provisions in the current law, including Section 8, which specifies the 28-day timeline.

They include Section 9, which automatically deems nominees approved if Parliament fails to act within the period; and Section 13, which allows the National Assembly to extend deadlines by up to 14 days under limited circumstances.

By removing these rigid timelines, Mogeni argues, Parliament will have discretion to conduct careful, evidence-based vetting without being bound by statutory limits.

Some appointments, including commissioners of the Parliamentary Service Commission, require approval by the Senate and the National Assembly, as outlined under Article 127(2)(c) of the constitution.

By extending the time available for vetting, the Bill ensures county representation through the Senate is not rushed and nominees are evaluated fairly and comprehensively.

If passed, the amendment could also reduce political pressure on committees to fast-track approvals for politically connected nominees, which has occasionally led to controversies and public mistrust.

The introduction of the Bill has already sparked debate among lawmakers, with supporters emphasising improved oversight and critics cautioning against potential delays in filling key public offices.

However, proponents insist that deliberate vetting is preferable to rushed decisions that risk appointing unsuitable candidates to positions of national importance.