Rejected names make it to TSC head’s list

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Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development Director Lydia Nzomo. Photo/FILE  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By SAMUEL SIRINGI ssiringi@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Thursday, July 11  2013 at  23:30

Two individuals who controversially failed to clinch the chairperson seat at Teachers Service Commission have again been short-listed for a fresh round of interviews for the job.

Former Policy Director at Education ministry Kiragu Wa Magochi, whose nomination for the post was nullified by a court after it had been unprocedurally passed by Parliament, is in the list of five people set to be interviewed for the same job next week.

Also in the list is Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development Director Lydia Nzomo, whose name was never presented to Parliament by former President Kibaki.

Although Dr Nzomo— who acted as TSC Secretary before it was reconstituted last year— topped the first round of interviews for the job, she was overlooked over claims of lacking integrity.

Making it to the second short-list for her raises questions over the genuineness of the claims, as she could have been shunned if there were serious grounds.

Mr Magochi had emerged second in the first round of interviews. He would face the same panel headed by Educationist James Kamunge hoping to be named among the top in what could see her name presented to Parliament for vetting for a third time.

The first time it was discussed upon submission by Mr Kibaki, MPs rejected him and ordered a fresh list. But Mr Kibaki resubmitted his name to the House in January together with two others and the list was approved.

But the High Court later nullified the list, arguing Mr Kibaki had erred in resubmitting their names to Parliament yet they had been rejected earlier.

This week, the court stopped the panel from recruiting afresh for the two positions of commissioner and asked that President Kenyatta pick from the initial list.Consequently, the President sent names of Dr Salome Gichura and Ms Saadia Kontoma to Parliament for vetting.

The selection panel has also short-listed former Education PS George Godia and Mr Robert Masese for the interviews.