KPC strict rules on ethics sweep many away from top job

Hudson Andambi is currently holding the managing director of the company in an acting capacity. [File, Standard]

Nearly all applicants for the position of managing director at the Kenya Pipeline failed the integrity test as per Chapter Six of the Constitution.

The Ministry of Mining and Petroleum said of the 140 applicants only three made the shortlist for the position, which was left vacant with the exit of Joe Sang over graft allegations.

The ministry said many applicants failed to adhere to Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity. The applicants failed to provide clearance certificates from the Kenya Revenue Authority and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Energy, Petroleum Permanent Secretary Andrew Kamau said only three met the conditions for consideration.

Mr Kamau told the MPs that after failing to get the critical number of applicants suitable for the job, KPC had to re-advertise the position.

Last week, Energy and Petroleum CS John Munyes renewed the contract of acting MD Hudson Andambi as the company seeks to fill the position.

Corruption

The top job at KPC has been dogged by corruption allegations behind the exit of former bosses including Sang’s predecessor Charles Tanui.

Tanui was charged alongside four KPC employees and two directors of a company alleged to have irregularly received Sh644 million for the supply of hydrant valves.