Obadha: Appointments the Most Slippery Public Jobs

Obadha: Appointments the Most Slippery Public Jobs

In my opinion the retreat was not barren; it bore fruit – these appointments that set many a tongue wagging on overdrive!

The state corporation board appointments, which drew mixed reactions from a cross-section of Kenyans, were after all a prerogative of the President in fulfilling his duties to Kenyans.

However, these appointments and the subsequent reactions made me reflect on a notion that hitherto I supposed is given; that solid corporate performance reflected in end of year financial statements was firm job insurance for any board chair.

A well-known strategic commercial parastatal had, in fact, exceeded their set targets as a board and I thought it was just in order that the incumbent chairman retains his seat; well he did not! Or did it have something to do with his men, which was considered rather harsh towards his subordinates at work? Word on the ground has it that they partied hard when they received news of his dismissal.

Meanwhile, Kenyans jostled and debated about the appointment of the privileged class, the recycled politicians, the ancients of time who should be left to enjoy their retirement and the accolades of the meritorious class. These board positions provide temporary shelter when real shelters have been stripped away and are indeed launch pads for many back into mainstream public circles.

Highly secure jobs

As the press release came through, I contemplated on those who tersely had been shown the door without notice or reason. In true Kenyan style I envisioned them caught off guard, craning their necks until veins bulged as they placed their ears near the speakers of their company provided luxury SUVs, catching up on the breaking news through the radio; like other ‘wananchi’.

This element of surprise, missing in the last administration, is a throwback to a former regime that used it as a secret weapon on its rank and file. I am sure many were broken and confused by the news. Politically savvy and networked, they had probably played their part and received assurance they thought secured their jobs from evaporation. Alas what a fallacy!

The merits, plight and destiny of our public corporation board members are tired issues of debate. However I urge them, that in the short span of time that they find themselves serving the public, they should seek sufficient philanthropy to add value to these parastatals by expert, diligent and honest work.

This way Kenyans might remember their good work and who knows they may just catch the eye of the appointing authority next time it goes fishing with a leaking net for a fresh catch of board members.

By Vincent Obadha

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