Julius Ogamba, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Education nominee, has responded to criticism about his qualifications to head the Ministry of Education, stating that if Parliament approves his appointment, his alleged lack of experience in the public sector shouldn’t be a problem.
Pokot South MP David Pkosing questioned Ogamba during his vetting appearance before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Thursday. Asking him to explain his decision to join the Education docket with just three months left before retirement.
In light of the recent anti-government demonstrations and the Finance Bill 2024’s withdrawal, President William Ruto issued an order on July 5, 2024, mandating that all public personnel retire at 60.
“Of the candidates before the committee, this one seems the most intriguing. He still has three years to go until retirement age and has never had a position in the public sector,” Pkosing stated.
Is the Appointment affected by the age limit ?
Even after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula pointed out that Ogamba is the Chairman of the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) at the moment, Pkosing persisted in his first inquiry. He raised concerns about the reason behind the Education CS’s decision to join the Education Ministry at his advanced age.
“What drives him to continue serving the public three years after he retires, considering that he lacked desire for the remainder of his life while being extremely valuable? Not that he isn’t valuable, but he will be retiring in three years. Was this a reward or just a way to get rid of him? Pkosing made a posture.
“You have never held a position in the public sector. Even now you are joining at a time when there are issues with the CBC, financing, and teachers. Since you are so close to retirement, what drives you to work right now?”Education CS Nominee Ogamba Defends His Nomination
Wetangula clarified that Pkosing’s query is unrelated because ministerial appointees are not subject to an age limit. But Ogamba emphasized that he is qualified to oversee the failing ministry.
“The job that I have been doing as an advocate and working in this country has seen me represent public institutions so it can’t be argued that because I was in private practice; I have not had any motivation to work for the public,” he stated. Also read
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