Senate Orders NCIC to Cancel Contracts Over Irregular Hiring of 22 Staff
Nairobi, Kenya – The Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration has directed the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to immediately terminate the contracts of 22 staff members hired through what it termed an irregular and unlawful recruitment process.
The directive was issued on Monday, November 17, following a tense session in which NCIC officials were grilled over inconsistencies in their explanations regarding the recent hiring. The committee noted that the positions were never publicly advertised, a violation of the law and established recruitment procedures.
“This hiring process was unlawful and contrary to the law. Any deviation from the initial plan to hire 20 staff must be supported by documented resolutions,” said Committee Chair Senator Catherine Mumma.
Contradictions and Accountability
The committee’s scrutiny intensified after the NCIC Chief Executive Officer and the Human Resources department gave conflicting accounts of how the commission ended up hiring 22 individuals instead of the initially approved 20. The lack of clarity raised serious concerns about transparency and governance within the commission.
Senator Mumma warned the NCIC CEO against yielding to external influence, stating that he would be held personally accountable if found culpable.
“We are concerned about the integrity of this process. The CEO must not allow himself to be used. If he is found to have acted outside the law, he will bear personal responsibility,” she added.
Broader Oversight on Hate Speech
The recruitment scandal overshadowed earlier discussions during the session, where the NCIC and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) were questioned about their efforts to curb hate speech, particularly by political leaders.
KNCHR CEO Bernard Mogesa faced tough questions from the committee on the commission’s effectiveness in addressing inflammatory rhetoric at political rallies and religious gatherings.
“We want to see tangible consequences for politicians who continue to incite the public. Some of them are repeat offenders, yet no action is taken,” Senator Mumma challenged.
In response, Mogesa maintained that both politicians and ordinary citizens were under active monitoring by the commission.
Lamu Senator Kamau Gituku also pressed the NCIC to explain how it was tracking and deterring hate speech, especially on digital platforms.
“What mechanisms are in place to monitor and regulate hate speech online and in public forums?” Gituku asked.
NCIC officials responded by stating that since the 2022 General Election, the commission had intensified surveillance on social media and public gatherings. They added that more summons were being issued to individuals suspected of inciting the public.
Conclusion
The Senate committee’s directive to cancel the 22 contracts marks a significant intervention in public sector hiring practices, underscoring the need for transparency and adherence to legal procedures. As the NCIC prepares to respond to further summons, the controversy has cast a spotlight on both internal governance and the broader mandate of the commission to promote national cohesion and curb hate speech.
The outcome of the ongoing investigations is expected to shape future oversight of public institutions and their recruitment processes.
ALSO READ: Mass Job Losses Loom as 126 Companies Close
Senate Orders NCIC to Cancel Contracts Over Irregular Hiring of 22 Staff
