House turns eyes to search for CBK Governor

By Martin Mutua

The row around the appointment of a new Central Bank of Kenya Governor surfaced in the House.

Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara has demanded a ministerial statement from Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta stating what procedures he intends to use in filling the position. The incumbent, Prof Njuguna Ndungu’s term expires next week, on March 4, and Imanyara wants Parliament told how the new Governor would be picked.

"We want the minister to tell this House whether the process for picking a new Governor will be open, transparent and advertised to avoid getting into a problem similar to the one we witnessed over the recent nominations between the President and the PM," he added. However, neither Uhuru nor the Assistant Minister Oburu Odinga was in the House to give an undertaking when they intended to make the statement.

Raises objections

Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang said he would inform Uhuru so that he can issue the statement on Tuesday next week. The President can reappoint Prof Ndung’u for another four-year term hoping nobody raises objections.

But, in light of the new Constitution, which requires public participation and adherence to national goals and values in appointment of public officers, analysts are hoping he spares the country another round of political acrimony over appointments. Prof Ndung’u, a career economist, has been at the helm of the CBK since March 2007. Under his watch, the country has witnessed a renewed hope in the financial sector.