Kakamega: Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has nominated four candidates to the position of chairperson and members of the Kakamega County Public Service Board (KCPSB).
According to Kenya News Agency, the nominations followed a competitive recruitment process conducted by a selection panel approved by the County Assembly. Governor Barasa has put forward Mr. James Robert Wakungwi Isakwa for the role of chairperson, while Raphael Milikau Otaalo, Vivien Ayuma Asiachi, and Jason Stanlake Mulama have been nominated as members. These nominees are awaiting vetting and approval by the County Assembly to assess their suitability for the positions.
Governor Barasa, while addressing the press at the County Headquarters, stated that once the nominees are vetted and approved, the primary task for the newly constituted CPSB will be the recruitment of 12 chief officers. He highlighted the importance of this process, noting that the vacancies for chief officers can only be filled by the County Public Service Board.
The CPSB has been non-operational since 2023 when its previous members were impeached by the County Assembly. This impeachment followed a petition by a resident, Dennis Muhanda, who accused the board members of serious constitutional violations, abuse of office, gross misconduct, and conflicts of interest. The assembly subsequently voted for their removal.
The impeached board members, including chairperson Catherine Omweno and members Stanley Were, Ralph Wangatiah, and Joel Omukoko, challenged their impeachment in court. On June 6, 2024, the Employment and Labor Relations Court in Kakamega overturned their impeachment and ordered their immediate reinstatement, along with awarding each member Sh1 million in damages. However, the County Government appealed the decision, and on February 7, 2025, a three-judge appellate bench overturned the ELRC's judgment.