Ward reps approve Trade docket nominee after two years

Bomet County

Members of the county assembly on Tuesday approved the nomination of Juliah Jepchichir Chepkuto to the position of county executive committee member for Trade, Investment, industry and Tourism.

Ms Chepkuto was given the green light two years after Governor Joyce Laboso nominated her and forwarded her name to the county assembly.

But the MCAs rejected her on the grounds that during the interview, she failed to demonstrate that she had the technical know-how to manage the Trade docket.

During this week's debate, the ward reps appeared to have changed their minds and unanimously approved her nomination.

Leader of Majority Josphat Kirui said that despite Chepkuto's education background, she had displayed good leadership skills in subsequent vetting.

Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Chepkwony also backed Chepkuto's nomination, saying it was long overdue and that the delay in filling the position was unfair to the electorate who expected prompt services from the county.

“We want to see the trade and industry sector grow like other sectors. I think the sector has lagged behind because there has been no person to run it,” said Mr Chepkwony.

But Embomos MCA Robert Serbai opposed Chepkuto's nomination, saying it was a mistake. “It was wrong and we should have stood and demanded for a person with knowledge and skills rather than one who only has leadership experience."

Chepkuto has been elected as the Kenya National Union of Teachers Bomet branch executive on two previous occasions.