Key allies of President William Ruto have dominated the shortlist for Principal Secretaries' jobs.
They include political allies who lost either in the Kenya Kwanza allied parties primaries or were defeated on the ballot.
Among the 477 applicants shortlisted are serving and former PSs who were seen as allied to Ruto's camp.
They will battle it out for 49 slots in 22 ministries.
While the Public Service Commission is the statutory agency that will recruit the PSs, it is not lost on observers that the President will have massive latitude.
The PSC will on Wednesday next week begin interviewing the shortlisted individuals in a week-long exercise. The final list will then be forwarded to the head of state for appointment.
“Selection interviews to fill the advertised positions in the public service will be held from October 12 to 22, 2022, following the conclusion of shortlisting of applicants by the Public Service Commission,” a statement signed by Brown Kutswa in charge of corporate communications said.
Among the potential nominees is former Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, and former Trans Nzoia governor candidate Chris Wamalwa.
Tunai vied for Narok senator seat on Ruto’s UDA party but lost to Senator Ledama Olekina, while Wamalwa contested on Ford Kenya but lost to Governor George Natembeya.
Others are Jonathan Mueke, who unsuccessfully vied for the Kitui governor seat, former deputy governors Joash Maangi (Kisii), Lily Ng’ok (Kericho), and ex-MPs Nixon Korir (Lang'ata), Sylvanus Maritim (Ainamoi) and Isaac Mwaura.
In a past interview, Mwaura expressed optimism he would be rewarded, saying President Ruto has no history of abandoning friends.
Mwaura was the Kiambu team leader and national disability affairs coordinator in Kenya Kwanza presidential secretariat.
Ruto has restructured his government by downsizing the number of PSs in a state department to three from the current five.
The PS is answerable to the Cabinet Secretary in ensuring efficient and effective utilisation of financial, human and other resources in the department.
Mueke was among those who led Ruto’s campaigns in the Eastern region, while Korir played an influential role in the city's politics.
What is, however, proving to be a nightmare for Ruto is the shortlisting of IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati’s wife-Mary Wanyonyi.
There are concerns that Ruto will find it hard to deal with negative perception should he appoint Chebukati's wife.
Ruto has been attacked by his critics, including the Azimio coalition, for allegedly compromising Chebukati and a section of commissioners in the last polls.
Wanyonyi has continued to become an internet sensation, with many questioning her decision to apply for the position.
“For those asking about Chebukati’s wife, she will rewarded as PS because her husband delivered victory for Ruto...she is assured of the slot,”Abuga Makori wrote.
Chebukati who has earned praises from various quarters including President Ruto on the manner he conducted the last general election will be retiring in January.
Among the current PSs who are yet again trying their luck are Charles Hinga (Housing), Andrew Tuimur, Chris Kiptoo (Environment), Jerome Ochieng (ICT), Saitoti Torome (Planning), Kevit Desai, Zeinab Hussein, Julius Jwan (Education), Nelson Marwa (Devolution), Margaret Mwakimu (TVET) and Fred Segor (Wildlife).
Francis Owino (Agriculture), Belio Kipsang (Regional and Northern Corridor Development), Peter Kaberia (Industrialisation) and Esther Koimett (Broadcasting and Telecommunications), Charles Sunkuli and Alfred Cheruiyot are also featuring.
Acting Health director general Patrick Amoth, Health PS Susan Mochache and Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi are on the list.
Ruto’s legal adviser Kipkorir Sing’oei, former EACC boss Halakhe Waqo and Irene Asienga and Alfred Ombudo who were both in Kenya Kwanza economic team will also be appearing for the interviews.
In the reviewed Third Remuneration and Benefits Review Cycle for state officers by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, a PS earns a gross salary of Sh765,188 per month.
Hinga is one of the top government officials currently overseeing the delivery of government’s affordable housing programme.
Kipsang who has had an extended stay in the education sector until he was reassigned duties by former President is another Ruto’s partner who is likely to make comeback in the Kenya Kwanza government.
New KCC managing director Nixon Sigey, Thomas Kipkurgat (Rivatex) and chief executive officer of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Dr Wilson Aruasa have also made it to the shortlist.
