The Commission, led by Chairman Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, Vice Chair Ms. Wambui Nyutu, Commissioners and Ag. CEO participated in a consultative forum with the Executive, Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices (CCIOs), held in Naivasha, Nakuru County. The Forum, facilitated by the Office of the Deputy President, was held from 28th to 30th April 2024.
Accompanying Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were President of the Supreme Court and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, Hon. Lady Justice Martha Koome, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, Attorney General Justin Muturi, Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru, Chairperson National Lands Commission and Chairperson of the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices Gershom Otachi, and Commissioners and CEOs of Independent Offices.
The Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices, established under Chapter 15 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 play a crucial role in safeguarding our national values and principles as enshrined in the constitution. Therefore, these institutions require the Executive's support to implement their mandates. The Consultative Forum focused on several issues such as the realignment of CCIOs to the National Development Agenda to positively contribute to the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), challenges and opportunities, Issues incidental to budget process, budget cycle and deepening the framework of engagement between the Executive and CCIOs.
The proceedings of the consultative forum between the Executive and the CCIOs commenced with dynamic discourse led by various panels. Some of the panelists were Lawrence Kibet representing the Permanent Secretary of the National Treasury Dr. Chris Kiptoo who addressed issues incidental to the budget process, budget cycle, and determination of Government priorities to CCIOs. Professor Githu Muigai, the Attorney General Emeritus of the Republic of Kenya, highlighted the intricate interplay between independence and interdependence within Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices. He emphasized the pivotal role of CCIOs within the constitutional framework, particularly in comparison to analogous jurisdictions.
Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy President, Ms. Wanjiku Wakogi took center stage as she guided the CCIOs through exploring the frameworks of coordination and engagement between the National Government and Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices (CCIOs). It was indeed a successful conference that saw all the CCIOs come together for a common goal which is to work together for a successful Kenya.
