Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended the appointment of members to the National Infrastructure Fund board, saying selection was above baord.
He rejected claims that the selection was influenced by ethnicity or regional interests and saying the appointments were made purely on merit.
Mbadi said an independent seven-member selection panel interviewed candidates and ranked them before recommending successful applicants.
“We interviewed 15 Kenyans and we ranked them. The appointments were based on merit and not on where someone comes from,” Mbadi said during an economic empowerment programme in Kisumu on Friday.
He said the National Infrastructure Fund would be instrumental in financing Kenya’s long-term development projects, describing it as a game changer for the country’s economic transformation.
The selection panel comprised former Africa Export import Bank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, Kenya Commercial Bank Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo and senior banking executive Richard James.
Other members are Kenya Pipeline Board Chairperson Faith Boinett, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Central Bank Governor Kamau Thugge and the chairperson of the selection council, Mbadi.
He pointed out that candidates from across the country participated in the recruitment process, but only the highest-ranked applicants secured the four available positions.
“There were only four positions, and we cannot give them to all the 42 tribes,” Mbadi said.
The CS also defended the appointment of one successful candidate from Siaya County, saying she was selected because of her qualifications and experience in asset management and investment banking rather than political or ethnic considerations.
“She is not there because she comes from Siaya. She is there because she has experience in asset management and investment banking. She is a very sharp lady who impressed the interview panel,” Mbadi said.
He said the government would not compromise on the management of the fund, citing its strategic role in supporting infrastructure financing and economic growth.
“This National Infrastructure Fund is going to be a game changer for this country. The President and I have committed ourselves to the success of this fund,” he said.
Mbadi said those appointed to the governing council and board were chosen based on integrity, competence and professional experience.
“The people we have appointed are people whose character, competence, capability and integrity cannot be questioned,” he said.
His remarks come amid public debate over the composition of the fund’s leadership, with critics alleging that some regions were underrepresented.
Mbadi maintained that the recruitment process was transparent, competitive and based exclusively on merit.
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