Former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has hit back at critics following his dismissal from the board of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, April 2, making it clear that he is not bothered by the decision.
"For the bloggers excited that I have ‘lost’ something by being fired from the KICC board, allow me to educate you," Nyakera said in a statement.
President William Ruto revoked the appointment of Irungu as part of changes in government appointments, just as Irungu began becoming a harsh critique of the government.
In the gazette notice published on Tuesday, April 1, Ruto announced the appointment of Samuel Waweru for three years as the new chairperson of the historical convention point.
''In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 43 (1) (a) of the Tourism Act, as read together with Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Samuel Waweru Mwangi to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 1st April, 2025. The appointment of Irungu Nyakera is revoked,'' read part of the notice.
Irungu, in a statement on Thursday, April 3, downplayed the significance of the role, explaining that it was not a high-paying or powerful position.
"Under State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) guidelines, a board chair earns a net of Ksh54,000 honorarium per month plus Ksh7,000 in airtime," he said.
"Sitting allowance is Ksh14,000 per meeting, capped at 10 meetings a year. No pension, no perks, no executive powers," he explained
Irungu made the remarks in his statement to online critics who have suggested that his removal was a major setback.
"Most chairmen are there to serve - not to survive. So blog away, and make your Ksh527 a day," he added in a statement.
The Irungu's removal from the position marks a strategic change in the leadership at the Kenta's top convection center, which plays an important role in the tourism and business sectors.
Nyakera was appointed to the position in 2024 and pledged to make the venue a leading hub for conference tourism.
