Meet the nominees: Inside Kihika's cabinet hopefuls

Governor Susan Kihika is preparing to shake up her executive by introducing a new and old crop of officials who are expected to be vetted by the end of this month.

The upcoming vetting process, which will be overseen by the County Assembly, will include candidates drawn from both the public and private sectors. Some of them are making a comeback to government service after extended absences.

The reshuffle also appears to address gaps in leadership that have existed due to resignations or reassignments over the past year.

Among the five individuals nominated for vetting to the cabinet being reconstituted is Ambrose Ogeto Ngare, who is set to take up the position of County Executive for Public Service Management, Training, and Devolution.

Although it is unclear whether Ogeto has previously served in the public service, records show he has extensively applied for and been shortlisted for interviews for public service positions as far back as 2011, and he has also been involved in op-ed writing.

His educational background includes a Master’s degree in Criminology and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Economics, and Political Studies.

He will replace the outgoing officer in this docket, Jacqueline Osoro, who has served under the previous and current administrations.

Francis Njoroge Njogu, currently the Deputy Director of Political Affairs, is being nominated chief officer (CO) of the Department of Youth, Talent, Sports, and Training.

He comes with considerable public experience from his time as a Member of County Assembly (MCA) in the first administration after devolution and is expected to replace Pastor Alex Maina, who held the same position before his ‘resignation’ about six months ago.

However, it is unclear what Njogu’s educational background is.

Elga Adoyo Riaga has been nominated to lead the Sports, Gender, and Social Services docket, although her background remains unclear.

She will replace Josephine Achieng’ Atieno, who appears to have left the position following a statement she made on her Facebook page.

Joseph Kiprotich Kibusia has been nominated under the Department of ICT, E-Government, and Public Communications as a Chief Officer.

While there is limited public history available about him, he has had a longstanding involvement in politics and community affairs.

If approved, he will be replacing the outgoing officer, Catherine Changony, who has also served in this administration as the CO at the Lands and Physical Planning docket.

Dr. Victor Mwandale Achoka is expected to take up the External Resource Mobilization docket as a CO.

He is making a return to public service after resigning in 2006, a year after taking up a position as a community pharmacist, to join the private sector and later venture into entrepreneurship.

The founder of Zen Pharmaceuticals (ZenDawa) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Studies.

He will be replacing Alice Abuki, the previous Chief Officer who served in the former administration as well as in the CO Public Health docket.

The vetting process for the nominees will take place on August 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with each candidate expected to undergo an hour-long session.

Two candidates, Ogeto and Adoyo, will meet the Committee on Appointments, while Njogu will face the Culture, Sports, and Community Service Committee.

Kibusia will appear before the ICT and E-Government Committee, and Mwandale will meet the Finance Committee during the approval hearings for their respective positions.