Siaya MCAs approve Ogenga as assembly clerk

Siaya County Assembly in session, August 29, 2019. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Siaya County Assembly has approved Erick Ogenga as clerk after serving in an acting capacity for about five years.

Mr Ogenga emerged top among 11 candidates shortlisted for the position and was on Monday confirmed as the substantive assembly clerk.

While tabling a report on the recruitment of the assembly clerk, County Assembly Service Board vice chairman Peter Oduor said Ogenga has the longest and most relevant experience and achievements suitable for the position.

"Guided by Article 232 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, on the Value and Principles of Public Service, which provides for fair competition and merit as the basis of appointments and promotions; the board nominated Mr Ogenga for the position of the clerk," read the report.

Addressing the House during a special sitting, Mr Oduor said the clerk scored the highest mark at 80.5 during the interview.

Even though there was a petition that Ogenga has been the acting clerk since 2019 to date contrary to section 34(3) of the Public Service Commission Act, the board stated that provisions of the Act do not apply to County Assembly Service as provided for in Article 234(3)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

"Based on the foregoing, the board dismissed the Memorandum," read the report.

The MCAs, who unanimously approved the clerk, said that he had the requisite qualifications for the position as per revisions of Section 13(2) of the County Governments Act,2012.

Addressing the media after taking the Oath of office, Ogenga promised to uphold integrity in service delivery.

"I have gained a lot of insights during my time as an acting clerk and I promise the assembly that I will still count on them for support," he said.

The office of the Clerk fell vacant on April 30, 2024, after the MCAs approved a motion sponsored by the County Assembly Service Board, in line with Sections 23(8) of the County Assembly Service Act, 2017, seeking to revoke the appointment of the former Clerk Isaac Olwero.