The National Assembly’s Appointments Committee dealt a blow to President William Ruto’s cabinet reshuffle by rejecting the nomination of Stella Soi Langat for the position of Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth, and Gender Affairs.
The committee, chaired by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, presented its findings to the House on August 7, outlining the reasons for the rejection.
According to Ichung’wah, the committee was unconvinced of Langat’s suitability for the role due to her lack of depth in the gender docket and a career marked by frequent job transitions.
A Career of Short Stints
“The nominee’s career has been characterized by frequent transitions, with each role lacking the long-term strategic planning essential for leading a ministry effectively,” Ichung’wah stated.
The committee expressed concerns that Langat’s multiple short-term roles had prevented her from developing the necessary expertise and stability required for a high-level ministerial position.
Langat’s resume includes stints as Director of Administration at the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, Senior Deputy County Commissioner in Nyamira, and Bomet County Secretary.
While she has accumulated a wealth of experience in public service, the committee argued that these roles did not adequately prepare her for the complexities of the gender ministry.
Insufficient Understanding of Gender Issues
Furthermore, the committee found that Langat struggled to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the administrative and technical issues crucial to the ministry she was set to lead.
Her performance during the vetting process, where she failed to provide satisfactory answers to the committee’s queries, further undermined her candidacy.
“The nominee did not meet the standards we expect for such an important position,” Ichung’wah asserted.
A Setback for Ruto’s Cabinet
The rejection of Langat’s nomination is a significant setback for President Ruto, who had proposed 20 nominees for cabinet positions. Despite the committee’s decision, the remaining 19 nominees were approved, paving the way for a partial cabinet reshuffle.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula echoed the committee’s sentiments, emphasizing that Langat’s appointment would not align with public expectations or the statutory requirements for the role.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration, Langat’s educational qualifications were not in question. However, the committee determined that her practical experience fell short of the strategic leadership demands of the gender ministry.
