In the Tuesday My Gov issue, the Ministry of ICT revealed that about 71 Kenyans had applied to fill only two positions in the Media Council of Kenya under the Ministry.
Per the notice from the ministry, six job seekers had applied for the position of Chairperson of the Complaints Commission while 65 others were applying for the position of Member of the commission.
As the chairperson, the individual will be tasked with leading a team of six members mediating or adjudicating in disputes between the government and the media, and between the public and the media. The new chairperson will replace the current holder, William Oketch.
Per the commissions. guidelines the chairperson must be a person who holds a judicial office in Kenya or who is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya of not less than 10 years standing.
On the other hand, a member must have knowledge and experience in any one of these areas, journalism, media policy and law, media regulation, business practice and finance, the performing arts or entertainment, advertising practice or related social sciences.
One of the members' roles includes ensuring the adherence to high standards of journalism as provided for in the code of conduct for the practice of journalism in Kenya.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7 (7) of the Media Council Act, the selection panel for appointment of the Chairperson and Member of the Complaints Commission publishes the names of the applicants and shortlisted candidates for the positions," read part of the notice.
Most of the applicants had attained a master's degree in their respective fields. Out of the 71 applicants, 46 had graduated with a masters.
Additionally, others had graduated with PhDs. According to the list from the Ministry of ICT, some of the areas of practice of the applicants include law, arts, communications, business administration, international studies, information technology and public relations.
Out of the numerous applicants only three have been shortlisted for the position of chairperson and the 30 are expected to go for interviews for the position of members of the Complaints Commission.
All shortlisted candidates for the position of chairperson are expected to go for interviews on Friday, June 14 from 9 am to 11.15 am depending on the schedule.
On the other hand, the 30 candidates seeking the position of member are asked to go for an interview from June 14 to June 21 and each candidate will spend about 45 minutes with the interviewing panel.
Daniel Waitere, the Chairperson of the Selection Panel informed all shortlisted candidates that the interviews will be conducted at the Ministry of ICT headquarters Teleposta Towers 9th floor boardroom.
All interviewees are required to carry along their original identity card or passport, original academic and professional certificates, and clearances from the Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
In a similar turn of events in January over 33,272 job seekers applied for only 180 jobs at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP). The government agency was looking to hire office assistant jobs.
Recently, the Youth Agenda paused the application process after over 3,000 Kenyans applied to get two internship positions.
President William Ruto's government has vowed to increase job opportunities in the country, especially for the youth.
