Trouble at Communications Authority over recruitment of fund's director

A water fountain at the entrance of the Communications Authority of Kenya. [File, Standard] Trouble is looming at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) board following a standoff over the recruitment of a Director of Public Affairs at the Universal Service Fund (USF). This comes after a section of officials sitting on an interview panel at the authority on Friday raised alarm over what they describe as intimidation and harassment by senior government-linked persons. A source who spoke to The Standard on anonymity said the panel was conducting interviews for the said position when some of the members allegedly began receiving calls and text messages perceived as coercive and threatening. The source said the calls are linked to a former senior official at the institution who is allegedly pushing for the consideration of a preferred candidate deemed unqualified for the role. Earlier on, it had been reported that the board had refused to be coerced into considering another candidate who works for Huawei Kenya. This, the source said, triggered a standoff within the CA board, exposing sharp divisions among members and raising serious concerns about the integrity and independence of the recruitment process. According to insiders, the former senior official has been actively 'pulling strings' in an attempt to influence the board by directing who should advance to the interview stage, a move that alarmed a section of the panel members committed to merit-based hiring. The candidate being pushed, the source said, the panel had looked at their credentials and did not meet the minimum requirements for the said position. The most troubling issue is that the candidate being pushed does not meet the minimum experience threshold. They have a background in engineering with less than 15 years' experience required," the source said. The Authority's job requirements for the USF director position stipulate that applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Applied and Physical Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, or Business-related studies from a recognised institution, in addition to a Master's degree in a related field. The role further requires a minimum of 15 years' relevant work experience, with at least five years in senior management or a comparable leadership role, as well as completion of a recognised leadership course lasting no less than four weeks. Additional requirements include membership in a relevant professional body in good standing, possession of a valid practising license where applicable, and demonstrated proficiency in computer applications. The source said those opposed to the alleged interference argue that bending recruitment rules to accommodate a preferred candidate would erode institutional governance and set a dangerous precedent for future appointments.

Trouble at Communications Authority over recruitment of fund's director

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS

DIGGER JOBS

Digger Motors

Digger Real Estate

Trouble at Communications Authority over recruitment of fund's director

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Related Topics

Trending Now

Popular this week

Latest Stories

The Standard Insider

Digger Classified

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERTS