By Cyrus Ombati 

NAIROBI,KENYA: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has faulted the process of selecting Principal Secretary candidates. 

EACC vice chairman Irene Keino said Thursday the integrity of the process of recruiting the officials had been questioned and that it was not above board. 

She said the commission had launched investigations into the process and has so far visited the Public Service Commission (PSC) offices as part of their investigations. 

"Allegations were received by the EACC that qualified and competent applicants were not shortlisted for unknown reasons. The process was not carried out in a fair and transparent manner,” said Ms Keino. 

She said after the complaints were registered they commenced their investigations. 

Ms Keino said PSC had asked EACC to help them with information touching on the 155 applicants and the commission prepared a report which was handed over. 

The report named 15 of the applicants as being under investigations by the EACC, she added. 

"We conducted an investigation and the commission prepared a report which it handed to the Public Service Commission and in which applicants under investigations by the EACC were named. 

Ms Keino said EACC is also investigating the vetting process and the findings will be made public once concluded. 

Ms Keino said persons who hold the office of Principal Secretaries are accounting officers in the respective ministries and will yield great influence in determining the manner in which the resources are utilised.  

"It cannot be gainsaid, therefore, that the process of selecting and appointing persons to such positions should meet the thresholds set by law. The process must be above reproach," said Ms Keino.  

She said the commission will investigate the issue and recommend to the Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution of any acts of corruption or violation of codes of ethics. 

The official said they will also write to Parliament if the president goes ahead and act on the list of the nominees who have so far been shortlisted. 

“We will use other legal means when time comes,” she warned. 

PSS said last Friday it had finalised the process of interviewing 155 candidates and had shortlisted 66. 

Chairperson Prof Margaret Kobia forwarded the list to the president for appointment but it is not clear if any of the 15 mentioned by EACC was included.

Prof Kobia said those picked were rated top based on merit, gender balance, regional representation and special interests.