A joint Parliamentary Committee on Wednesday, March 15, rejected the nomination of Umra Omar to the Climate Change Council.
Omar had been nominated to the council by President William Ruto. However, the joint committee on environment determined that she was unsuitable to hold the position.
In a report tabled before the floor of the house by National Assembly's Environment and Forestry Committee chair David Gikaria, it was noted that the nominee failed to convince them that she was knowledgeable on climate change matters.
It was recommended that her nomination be struck out and a replacement is made.
"The nominee did not demonstrate knowledge of topical technical and administrative issues touching on the matters relating to indigenous knowledge to section 7(2)(h) of the Climate Change Act during her approval hearing.
"From her general demeanour during the approval hearing coupled with unclear responses to the topical questions, appeared not to be adequately prepared and displayed a general lack of interest,” read the report in part.
During the debate, MPs led by Kiharu Legislator Ndindi Njoro added that the nominee could still get other appointments noting that the committee was thorough in their interviews.
"Even my friend Omar, whose nominee was rejected, can actually get a chance even to try better opportunities because the committees do their job effectively," he stated.
On the other hand, the committee recommended the approval of three other nominees after their successful interviews.
The three were Emily Mwende Waita, George Odera Outa and John Kalua.
“Having considered the suitability, capacity and integrity of the nominees and pursuant to Article 132 (2)(f) of the Constitution and Public Appointments (parliamentary approval) Act, the committees recommend to parliament approves the nomination," read the report in part.
MPs are set to vote on the motion on Thursday, March 16.
