Finally, Kakamega County Assembly finally gets clerk after two years
Western
By
Nathan Ochunge
| Feb 14, 2024
Donald Keya Manyala has finally been sworn in as the new clerk of the Kakamega county assembly after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa witnessed the swearing-in ceremony at the assembly chambers.
Until his appointment, Mr Keya was National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula's Chief Research Officer and Policy Analyst.
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Dr Keya, 36, beat three other contestants who made it to the final list after interviews.
They are the former Acting Clerk Esther Ariko, Benson Inzofu and Gabriel Erambo.
The position attracted 41 applicants but only eight were shortlisted for interviews.
Keya holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Governance and Leadership from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism and Travel Management, all from the United States International University (USIU).
He becomes the third Clerk of the assembly under the new Constitution, replacing Laban Atemba (second clerk) who was kicked out of office in February 18, 2021 by former Speaker Morris Buluma.
Consequently, John Shimwa and Esther Ariko were appointed to act as Clerk's awaiting substantive appointment.
The immediate former Clerk was suspended from office over claims of illegal promotion of some staff, exaggerated prices of goods and services procured at the assembly and misuse of funds as well as failing to remit statutory deductions from MCAs and assembly staff to Lapfund, Laptrust and other financial institutions.
Atemba moved to the Labour and Industrial Court in Bungoma and was reinstated by Justice Jemimah Keli.
"The court finds that the claimant was unlawfully on suspension from February 8, 2021, and orders the lifting of the suspension and resumption of work with the second respondent with immediate effect without loss of benefits," Justice Keli's judgement reads in part.
However, after the judgement, Atemba opted for out of settlement of the matter, which necessitated his replacement.
Patrick Kamwessar was the first clerk of the Kakamega County Assembly. He was also removed from office unceremoniously.