Education CS nominee Ogamba defends his nomination amid experience concerns

Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee Julius Ogamba has addressed concerns regarding his suitability to lead the Education Ministry, asserting that his perceived inexperience in the public sector should not be an issue if his appointment is approved by Parliament.

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments for vetting on Thursday, Pokot South MP David Pkosing pressed Ogamba to explain his motivation for joining the Education docket with only three to retirement.

As part of austerity measures in the aftermath of the recent anti-government protests and withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, President William Ruto, on July 5, 2024, directed all public servants to retire at 60 years.  

"This is the most interesting candidate before the committee. He is remaining with three years to attain retirement age and has never worked in public service anywhere," said Pkosing.

Despite National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula highlighting that Ogamba currently serves as the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) Chairman, Pkosing maintained his initial query, questioning the Education CS' motivation to join the Education Ministry in his twilight years.

"What motivation does he have in public service three years to his retirement while he was not motivated for the rest of his life when he was very useful. I am not saying he is not useful but he is going to retire in three years. Was this (his nomination) head hunting or a reward?" Pkosing posed.  

"You are coming in at a time where there are complications with the CBC, funding and  teachers and you have never worked in public service. What is motivating you to work now as you are nearing retirement. ?"

Although Wetangula pointed out that Pkosing's question is irrelevant since there is no age cap for ministerial appointees, Ogamba stressed his suitability to lead the ailing ministry.

"The job that I have been doing as an advocate and working in this country has seen me represent public institutions so it can't be argued that because I was in private practice, I have not had any motivation to work for the public," he said.

"I have handled pro-bono cases and as the Ken Gen Chairman we have done a lot of public problems and addressed pending issues, ensuring that for the last one year our plans have been 95% available. So I have been doing work for the public."