Former Woman Rep Approved as New PSC Commissioner

Former Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Ibrahim Ali has been approved by the National Assembly to serve as the female non-Member Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).

In an update on Thursday, October 8, the National Assembly said her approval concluded the parliamentary process for her appointment, which followed the expiry of the term of former Commissioner Rachel Ameso.

Fatuma's nomination had earlier received the approval of the Senate after the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights considered her nomination and conducted her approval hearing on 28 September 2026.

Her selection followed a competitive recruitment exercise that attracted 75 eligible applicants.

Twelve candidates were subsequently shortlisted and interviewed, with Fatuma emerging as the highest-scoring candidate.

While presenting the Motion before the National Assembly, PSC Commissioner Patrick Makau said the Commission conducted a detailed assessment of the candidates based on their qualifications, experience and suitability for the position.

"The Commission interviewed her on 10th September 2026 and assessed her qualifications, covering academic qualifications, relevant experience, understanding of Parliament and the Commission, leadership and management, and the Chapter Six requirements on leadership and integrity," he said.

Makau said the recruitment exercise also incorporated public participation and verification of the shortlisted candidates through relevant State agencies.

He added that the Commission examined the personal attributes and competencies required for a Commissioner to effectively perform the responsibilities of the position.

"The nominee also displayed personal attributes, including integrity, accountability, communication and interpersonal skills," he added.

Seconding the Motion, Eldas MP Adan Keynan highlighted the significance of the PSC in supporting the welfare of both Members of Parliament and parliamentary employees.

"I am aware of the role this Commission actually plays in enhancing and taking care of the welfare of both Members of Parliament and Members of staff," he stated.

Keynan also backed Fatuma's appointment, citing her previous experience in Parliament and public service as an asset to the Commission.

"As a long-serving Member and former Commissioner who has known Hon. Fatuma Ibrahim Ali, I can confidently say that Fatuma is going to add value by being a Member of this Commission," he added.

Keynan pointed to her experience as a former Member of Parliament and a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly, alongside her work in public institutions, saying the experience would position her to understand the needs and aspirations of Parliament.

Elsewhere, this comes days after Busia Senator Okiyah Omtatah made changes to his presidential exploratory committee ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

In a gazette notice dated Friday, October 2, he appointed John Bwakali as the new chairperson of the committee. 

Omtatah also appointed Dancan Otieno Onyango as Deputy Chairperson of the presidential exploratory committee. 

"It is notified for the information of the general public that Senator Andrew Okiya Omtatah Okoiti has, with immediate effect, appointed David John Bwakali - Chairperson, Dancan Otieno Onyango (Dr.) - Deputy Chairperson, of his Presidential Exploratory Committee," read part of the notice. 

Omtatah noted that the appointment of Mary Kathomi Ringu as Chairperson and Charles ole Kabaiku as Deputy Chairperson and Diaspora Coordinator has been revoked. 

"The appointment of Mary Kathomi Ringu (Ms.) as Chairperson and Charles ole Kabaiku as Deputy Chairperson/Diaspora Coordinator, made vide Gazette Notice No. 15372 of 2024, is revoked," the notice stated. 

Further, Omtatah extended the committee’s tenure until November 2026.

He mentioned that the committee will be dissolved after he formally announces his decision to either contest the presidency or not run for the position.

"The Committee’s tenure has been extended and shall remain in office until November 2026. It shall be dissolved immediately upon the aspirant formally announcing his candidacy for the presidency or his decision not to run," the notice added.