Why Commission wants hiring of KAA boss put on hold

By Martin Mutua

The recruitment of a new Kenya Airports Authority boss should be suspended due to allegations of irregularities.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has recommended the process be postponed until claims of bias are addressed.

In a confidential letter, the commission urges the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, Public Complaints Standing Committee and Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura to investigate the allegations to ascertain whether the law was breached.

The letter dated March 2, and signed by Vice-Chairman Hassan Omar, a copy of which we have obtained, also recommends the outgoing Managing Director George Muhoho be asked to proceed on leave pending his retirement on April 2.

"The stewardship of the recruitment process should then be the preserve of the Minister for Transport and or chairman of the board of directors. This will address issues of possible conflict of interest and remedy the perception or real possibility of bias," the letter says in part.

conflict of interest

KNCHR has received a report alleging irregularities in the recruitment including claims that Mr Muhoho prefers Mr Stephen Mwangi Gichuki, the current KAA General Manager for Projects and Engineering Services, to succeed him.

"That alleged interest of Muhoho to "handpick" his successor arises from allegations of financial impropriety and conflict of interest during his tenure, which might occasion an independent investigation upon his exit," adds the letter.