Team okays Lydia Nzomo for top Teachers Service Commission job

Kenya: The National Assembly's Education committee has ignored a letter from the anti-graft agency and gone ahead to approve the nomination of Lydia Nzomo to the helm of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

In the committee's report tabled in the House yesterday, MPs said failure by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to clear her was not a valid reason for them to knock her off the seat she was poised to clinch.

"The EACC had indicated she had been adversely mentioned and was part of an ongoing investigation. The committee observed that the content could not form part of grounds for disapproval as they are allegations. The nominee is still eligible as per the law," reads the report.

Committee vice chairman Julius Melly (Tinderet) also notified MPs that the team was ready to seek the approval of the House on Tuesday next week in order to allow President Uhuru Kenyatta to formally appoint her.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

"The committee found her qualified for the position due to her vast academic and management experience. She was articulate and demonstrated a wealth of experience in the education sector," the House team noted in its report.

The lawmakers said Dr Nzomo had not breached the chapter on integrity in the Constitution and, therefore, could not be blocked from assuming office.

"She is well-versed in the functions of the Teachers Service Commission and the supervisory role she would play in ensuring fulfillment of the commission's mandate," the report added.

Dr Nzomo, 62, comes from Meru County and worked in the TSC secretariat for 23 years. She left the commission after serving as deputy chief executive.