The Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee chaired by Hon. Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East) has held a session with the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, as he responded to a statement sought by Hon. Charles Nguna (Mwingi West) regarding the delayed renewal of the contract for the Director-General of the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), Mr. Daniel Mungai.
Hon. Nguna had requested clarification on the circumstances surrounding the delay in executing the service contract of Mr. Mungai.
In his submission, CS Joho explained that Mr. Mungai was appointed as the Director-General of KeFS on October 6, 2020, for a four-year term, renewable upon completion.
"Six months before the expiry of his contract, Mr. Mungai wrote to Col. (Rtd.) Noor Musa, Chairperson of the KeFS Board of Directors, expressing interest in having his contract renewed for a further four years," said CS Joho.
Subsequently, on July 22, 2024, the Board of Directors recommended the renewal of Mr. Mungai’s contract to the then Acting Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, who concurred with the proposal.
However, CS Joho noted a conflicting advisory was issued thereafter.
"It is worth noting that the Board sought the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s advisory in filling the position of Director-General in disregard of guidance from the then Cabinet Secretary. That advisory clearly stated that the Ministry would not renew the contract of the incumbent Director-General and advised the Board to conclude Mr. Mungai’s tenure by October 5, 2024, with the Ministry expected to provide modalities for recruiting a successor," stated CS Joho.
Following a reshuffle, the incoming Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Salim Mvurya, through a letter dated September 17, 2024, directed the Board to advertise the position and approved a six-month contract extension for Mr. Mungai from October 6, 2024, to allow time for recruitment.
On February 21, 2025, both the KeFS Board Chairperson and the Office of the Director-General sought advice from the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) regarding the recruitment process. SCAC granted approval for the advertisement on March 4, 2025. However, on March 10, 2025, the advert was cancelled to allow further consultations.
Members of the Committee questioned the authority responsible for appointments to such senior positions. In response, CS Joho clarified that he is the appointing authority and exercises oversight over the Board.
“The decision ultimately rests with me as the Cabinet Secretary. I urge this committee to support my directive to re-advertise the position and ensure it is filled through a fair and competitive process,” he said.
“I want to persuade this committee that we work together to ensure that this is a level playing field for everybody. There are many young Kenyans who have the capacity and should be allowed to apply,” he added.
In response, Hon. Bowen acknowledged the need to gather broader perspectives and proposed a follow-up session involving all the relevant stakeholders.
“As a way forward, we need to get an independent advisory opinion from the Office of the Attorney General on the legal ramifications, as well as consult the Board, the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, and the State Corporations Advisory Committee so that we can prepare a conclusive report,” said Hon. Bowen.
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